Welcome move on Free School Meals 

Andrew George – Liberal Democrat MP for the west Cornwall and Isles of Scilly constituency of St Ives – has welcomed the Government’s extension of free school meals, describing it as a “common sense move which will really help combat child poverty and inequality”. 

Figures published by the Government suggest that over 4 million more children should receive free school meals by 2026/27 – which could see 32,514 young people in Cornwall benefitting from the change.  

“This is very welcome news,” Andrew said. “Extending free school meals is one of the most effective, targeted measures to support children and families struggling with the cost of living.” 

Liberal Democrats made a fully costed manifesto pledge to extend free school meals at the 2024 election. “Although this wasn’t in Labour’s election manifesto, I’m pleased Ministers have been persuaded by common sense to adopt it,” he said. 

However, Andrew also urged the Government to ensure the policy is properly funded. “Unless it’s fully funded, the burden simply shifts to already overstretched school budgets. 

“The next step must be automatic registration for those entitled to free school meals, cutting the cost of school uniforms and importantly, ending the two-child benefit cap.