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Boris Johnson rejects footballer Marcus Rashford's plea to continue free school meals
16 June 2020, 08:36 | Updated: 16 June 2020, 13:36
The Manchester United player has said he will not stop fighting following the Prime Minister's response.
Marcus Rashford, 22, has pleaded with Prime Minister Boris Johnson to keep the free school meals system in place for struggling families.
The football player's requests have been rejected, however, as the school-meal vouchers system is set to end at the end of term.
This comes after Marcus raised a huge £20million to help feed families most in need amid the pandemic.
Responding to the footballer's open letter to Parliament, a spokesperson for Boris praised Marcus for "using his profile in a positive way to highlight some very important issues".
However, seemingly not granting his request, they added: "The PM understands the issues facing families across the UK which is why last week the government announced £63m for local authorities to benefit families who are struggling to afford food.”
While the footballer is said to receive a direct response from the Prime Minister, the Department of Education hinted that the school meal system would not be changed.
A spokesperson for them said: "Free schools meals are ordinarily term time only, and the national voucher scheme will not run during the summer holidays.”
However, Rashford has vowed to not stop fighting to help families across the UK struggling.
He wrote on Twitter: "Wow, just got home from training and I’m blown away with the support. It’s not over yet, let’s keep retweeting and tagging MPs. We need to be the voice for those 200,000 children who have no choice but to skip meals today, I refuse to give up. #maketheUturn.”
Update: June 16, 13:26
The Government have now promised £120million 'summer school meals fund' for English children after Marcus Rashford campaign
