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Marcus Rashford: School scheme extended after footballer's campaign Marcus Rashford: School scheme extended after footballer's campaign
(32 minutes later)
A "Covid summer school fund" is being set up by the government to help feed children during the holidays, after a campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford. About 1.3 million children will get free school meal vouchers during the holidays, following a campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford.
Children eligible for free school meals in term time in England will get a six-week voucher, Downing Street said. The Manchester United forward, 22, welcomed the six-week voucher for eligible children, saying: "Look at what we can do when we come together."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed Mr Rashford's "contribution to the debate around poverty". Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the move was a "welcome U-turn".
Labour said the move was a "welcome U-turn" - while Mr Rashford, 22, said: "THIS is England in 2020." Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised Mr Rashford's "contribution to the debate around poverty".
The support works out as about £15 a week per recipient, and will cost the taxpayer about £120m. All children eligible for free school meals in term time in England will benefit from the "Covid summer food fund", Downing Street said.
The support works out as about £15 a week per recipient, and will cost about £120m.
In an emotional open letter to MPs posted on Monday, the Manchester United forward drew on his own experience of relying on free school meals and food banks growing up.In an emotional open letter to MPs posted on Monday, the Manchester United forward drew on his own experience of relying on free school meals and food banks growing up.
In response to the government's announcement, the footballer said on Twitter: "Just look at what we can do when we come together." The footballer had asked others to think about struggling parents who have had their "water turned off" during the coronavirus lockdown, and whose children have gone hungry.
Families whose children qualify for free meals have received vouchers or parcels in lockdown.Families whose children qualify for free meals have received vouchers or parcels in lockdown.
While provision was already arranged to continue through the summer in Scotland and Wales, it was going to end in England at the end of term.While provision was already arranged to continue through the summer in Scotland and Wales, it was going to end in England at the end of term.
Almost 1.3 million school children in England - accounting for 15.4% of state-educated pupils - were eligible for and claiming free school meals according to the latest available data.Almost 1.3 million school children in England - accounting for 15.4% of state-educated pupils - were eligible for and claiming free school meals according to the latest available data.
Official figures for 2019 showed the need was greatest in parts of London, the north and Midlands where between a quarter and a third of all pupils were getting the free meals.Official figures for 2019 showed the need was greatest in parts of London, the north and Midlands where between a quarter and a third of all pupils were getting the free meals.
The prime minister's official spokesman told reporters the extended scheme was "a specific measure to reflect the unique circumstances of the pandemic".
Referring to Mr Rashford, he added: "The PM welcomes his contribution to the debate around poverty and respects the fact that he has been using his profile as a leading sportsman to highlight important issues."