7. Statement by the Minister for Education and Welsh Language: Update on Free School Meals

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:57 pm on 20 September 2022.

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Photo of Rhianon Passmore Rhianon Passmore Labour 5:57, 20 September 2022

Diolch, Deputy Llywydd. I very much welcome the statement from the Welsh Labour Government's education Cabinet member, and the further new additional investment for the extended school holiday period, so thank you very much. It is good news that the Welsh Labour Government is delivering on its programme for government in maximising fairness for all and eliminating inequality, and it is a sign of the Welsh Labour Government's ambitious plans that £35 million of new capital funding will support the roll-out of the scheme, in addition to the £25 million of capital funding previously allocated and a commitment of £200 million of revenue funding over the next few years. Also, I know from speaking directly to schools and pupils, parents and children across Islwyn, that these measures from the Welsh Labour Government are welcomed and greatly appreciated in these very dark times. I also welcome hugely the work of the WLGA in delivering, once again, real change on the ground. The Tory cost-of-living crisis, we know, will result in severe and negative consequences for the poorest communities in Wales. This is wrong, and it is not the role of any UK Government to harm and hurt its most vulnerable. Our Welsh Labour First Minister stated—