A campaign led by Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has persuaded the Government to give free school meal vouchers to children who need them during the summer holidays.

The Government had previously insisted it would not award free vouchers to around 1.3million children outside of term time, prompting the England star to write an open letter to MPs asking for the decision to be reversed.

All children eligible for free school meals in term time in England will benefit from the ‘Covid summer food fund’, Downing Street said.

VULNERABLE

After speaking to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and being informed of the Government’s decision, the 22-year-old - who speaks of his own experiences growing up in the video below - said: "I don’t even know what to say.

“Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020.”

He later tweeted a longer statement, saying: “This was never about me or you, this was never about politics, this was a cry out for help from vulnerable parents all over the country and I simply provided a platform for their voices to be heard.

“I stand proud today knowing that we have listened, and we have done what is right. There is still a long way to go but I am thankful to you all that we have given these families just one less thing to worry about tonight. The wellbeing of our children should always be a priority.”

The Prime Minister praised the footballer’s “contribution to the debate around poverty”.

PRESSURE

He said: “I talked to Marcus Rashford today and congratulated him on his campaign which to be honest I only became aware of very recently, today - and I thank him for what he's done."

"Clearly free school meals should generally apply in term time... but we have to understand the pressure that families are under right now.

“It will help the kids from the families that really need it.”

Pic credit: BBC News