The petition comes after MPs voted down a motion to offer food aid to vulnerable families over school holidays. This week parliamentary motion to give food aid to vulnerable families over school holidays until Easter 2021 was defeated by 322 votes to 261. Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford, 22 has lead the campaign to call on people to “unite” to protect the most vulnerable children.
The petition asks for tax-payer money used to pay for MP’s food in Parliament should be diverted to feed the poorest children in the country.
Captain of Leeds United Liam Cooper also backed the campaign.
The footballer has given a five-figure sum on behalf of his team-mates towards the campaign.
Mr Cooper tweeted: “Let’s do this Leeds!
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“Therefore we are delighted to support the campaign from Leeds City Council inspired by Marcus.”
Portia Lawrie, who started the petition said: “I only started this petition yesterday.
“I was so angry that some MPs had rejected the chance in parliament and Marcus Rashford’s campaign, to extend free school meals into the school holiday.
“I couldn’t quite believe what I was watching unfold as hundreds of thousands of people threw their support behind it in less than 24 hours.
“Many MPs are pushing for free school meals to be extended into the school holidays.
“I applaud them.
“But it’s time for the Government to listen to them, and us, and make sure children across the UK do not go hungry and longer.
“Enough is enough.”
