Leader of the opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, alongside Shadow Secretary of State for Education Angela Rayner, has promised free primary school meals for all in the next Labour government. The promise could ensure better attainment at school and an end to the stigma of free school meals, while the policy also has its health benefits for young children. Rayner announced the plans on Wednesday in an Independent article, stating she has ‘had enough of seeing schools struggling to provide the support and education children need because of the misplaced priorities of this Conservative government.‘
Corbyn claims the free school meals policy is to be funded by VAT on private school fees and, while the Independent Schools Council argues that the proposed charge “does not add up.” Despite this, Rayner was eager to assert that the ‘VAT on private school fees will raise at least £1.3bn, enabling [Labour] to fully fund this policy.‘
An initiative introduced by the coalition government in 2014 allows for every child in their first three years of primary school to be eligible for a free school lunch and the proposal by Labour is essentially an extension of this. However, Rayner suggests that Labour’s policy would go further as ‘many do not qualify for free school meals under the existing system‘ as a result of rising in-work poverty.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Tim Farron, expressed his support for the idea defining it as a ‘coherent policy‘ but explains it is ‘one borrowed from the Lib Dems.‘ Farron raises an interesting point, but his article written for the Independent ultimately diverges into an essay outlining his distaste for Labour, weakening his standpoint.
On Twitter, some agreed with Farron
Jeremy Corbyn could offer free school meals & puppies on trampolines for Primary Schools.
Labour ain't getting in with him in charge.— daz boot (@FacileTalk) April 6, 2017
But many have taken to the site to announce their support
Universal free school meals means all pupils get a good, nutritious lunch. Hope the Govt listens to @jeremycorbyn and implements this policy
— Roberta Blackman-Woods (@rblackmanwoods) April 6, 2017
thank you @jeremycorbyn
i'm from a poor family and am so grateful to have had free school meals and #ourNHS – kindness in cruel times.— RocklandsTV (@rocklandstv) April 6, 2017
#JeremyCorbyn #Labour The free school meals policy is excellent. Well fed children are more likely to achieve their potential in school.
— Usama Karatella (@usamakaratz) April 6, 2017
While others just took the chance to relive a classic meme
https://twitter.com/MattTurner4L/status/849952163031916545
However voters may take the announcement is up to them, but the policy is a sure attempt to rebuild the unity of the party. Although the proposal may only come in to play if Labour is to claim victory in the next election, the significant support gathered by the promise suggests the toxic reputation of Labour may be on the mend.
