Manchester United star Marcus Rashford was left disappointed as his bid to extend free school meals over the holidays was voted against by MPs.
The England forward urged politicians to ‘unite’ and protect the most vulnerable children and vowed to continue campaigning, writing on Twitter: “For as long as they don’t have a voice, they will have mine.”
He released the statement after Labour’s motion, which called for the scheme to be extended over school holidays until Easter 2021, was defeated by 261 votes to 322 – majority 61.
Rashford tweeted: “Put aside all the noise, the digs, the party politics and let’s focus on the reality.
“A significant number of children are going to bed tonight not only hungry but feeling like they do not matter because of comments that have been made today.
“We must stop stigmatising, judging and pointing fingers. Our views are being clouded by political affiliation.
“This is not politics, this is humanity.”
Earlier today, Boris Johnson told Prime Minister’s Questions: “We support kids on low incomes in school and we will continue to do so.
“But the most important thing is to keep them in school and not tear off into another national lockdown taking them out of school.
“We will continue to use the benefits system and all the systems of income to support children throughout the holidays as well.”
Rashford has been awarded an MBE for his efforts in the fight against child poverty, and his efforts on the pitch have been equally impressive.
The 22-year-old was the match-winner for the Red Devils against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last night.
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Watford striker Troy Deeney was full of praise for Rashford on talkSPORT Breakfast this morning.
“What he’s doing off the pitch does not impact anything he’s doing on the pitch,” Deeney said.
“He’s pushing for something that he’s clearly passionate about and something that all of us can see is the right thing to do.
“Free school meals for kids isn’t the hardest thing to do when there’s so much money in this country.
“We should back him.”
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