Second Tory MP stokes free school meals fury: Selaine Saxby hints firms giving food to children should NOT get government help after Ben Bradley suggested cash went to 'crack dens and brothels' - as ministers double down on refusal to fund scheme
- Selaine Saxby hinted that firms dishing out food should not get government help
- Ben Bradley was accused of a 'stigmatisation of working class families' in a tweet
- Mr Bradley was called to apologise, while some said that Ms Saxby should resign
- It comes after minister Baroness Barran defended the free school meals decision
- Meanwhile No 10 would not praise outlets offering to give free meals over break
Two Tory MPs have landed themselves in hot water after controversial remarks about free school meals.
Selaine Saxby hinted in a Facebook post hospitality firms dishing out food should not get government help despite being battered by the pandemic.
Meanwhile Ben Bradley was accused of a 'stigmatisation of working class families' in an incendiary tweet that suggested cash went to 'crack dens and brothels'.
Both MPs have been roundly criticised, with Mr Bradley called to apologise while some said Ms Saxby should resign.
It comes as civil society minister Baroness Barran defended the decision not to extend free school meals through the school holidays.
In a show of unity, hospitality businesses and councils turned their backs on the government and said they will provide free meal vouchers through the break.
The move followed a high-profile campaign by Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford, who was made an MBE for his efforts earlier this month.
Elsewhere in the free school meals row:
- Downing Street declined to praise outlets offering to provide free meals for vulnerable children over half-term;
- Rishi Sunak was banned from a pub and restaurant in his constituency because he voted against an extension of free school meals;
- Tory MP Robert Halfon, who voted in support of extending free school meals, called on Boris Johnson to meet Rashford to thrash out a long-term strategy;
- Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp praised Rashford for showing the kind of leadership the Government is failing to provide with his campaign;
- Rashford renewed his invitation to the Government for a meeting as he took his public campaign into the weekend.
Selaine Saxby (left) hinted in a Facebook post hospitality firms dishing out food should not get government help despite being battered by the pandemic. Ben Bradley (right) was accused of a 'stigmatisation of working class families' in an incendiary tweet that suggested cash went to 'crack dens and brothels'
Cafes, pubs and restaurants are offering free school meals for local children during half term after MPs rejected Marcus Rashford's campaign (pictured at FareShare in Manchester)
Ms Saxby, who voted against providing free schools meals for children during half term, publicly 'attacked' hospitality firms for stepping in to give away free food.
In a post on North Devon News Facebook group last night, she used her personal account to state she hoped if eateries in the area were able to offer free food, they would not require further assistance.
In the message that was later deleted, the MP for North Devon said: 'I am delighted our local businesses have bounced back so much after lockdown that they are able to give food away for free, and very much hope they will not be seeking any further government support.'
In her original Facebook post, Ms Saxby also defended herself over claims she receives free food.
She said: 'I do not get free lunches or dinners in Westminster. I take my own packed lunch as I did when I taught. Our canteens and dining rooms are not subsidised.'
North Devon Lib Dem spokesman Alex White demanded she apologise.
He said: 'I am stunned at what I have read from Saxby. Not only has she tried to justify the fact that she has voted in a way that could see children go hungry, but she's also attacked the hospitality industry in North Devon who have taken one of the biggest beatings during this pandemic, but still step forward to support children.
'That's what Saxby doesn't realise; North Devon is full of good people doing the right thing. Maybe that's why so often it feels she is out of place.
'Volunteers and businesses have stepped up to help some of the poorest children because she and her Conservative colleagues are too heartless to bother.
'She must issue an immediate, full and unreserved apology to the people of North Devon, especially the hospitality industry and especially those providing free school meals.'
Ms Saxby later said she regretted any offence caused by her comments.
In a statement on Twitter, she wrote: 'The portrayal of my recent comments on social media, out of context, does not accurately convey my views - I of course deeply regret any offence which may have been caused.'
Mr Bradley had replied to a post in which another user described the free school meals programme as '£20 cash direct to a crack den and a brothel'.
In a comment on Twitter - which has since been removed - he wrote: 'That's what FSM vouchers in the summer effectively did...'
He has been slammed by shadow ministers and was called to apologise for his tweet.
Deputy leader of Labour Angela Rayner said: 'A Conservative MP has said that free school meals are effectively a direct payment to brothels and drug dealers.
'Notwithstanding the fact that the vouchers in summer could only be used to purchase food, this stigmatisation of working class families is disgraceful and disgusting.'
And shadow children's minister Tulip Siddiq has written to the co-chairwoman of the Conservative Party Amanda Milling.
She said: 'Notwithstanding the fact that free school meal vouchers could only be redeemed in participating supermarkets for the purchase of food and groceries, I am sure that you will want to make clear that this kind of crass stigmatisation of children from poorer families is deeply damaging, and distance yourself from Mr Bradley's misleading and troubling comments.
'In the meantime, I respectfully ask you to request an apology from Mr Bradley to the millions of children from lower income households who benefit from free school meal support.'
MPs rejected the campaign, started by Rashford, to offer free school meals for local children during half-term.
A vote on the measures was backed by Labour and made its way to Parliament this week but it was defeated by 322 votes to 261.
But the footballer's petition had gained more than 640,000 signatures as of Saturday morning.
Deputy leader of Labour Angela Rayner (pictured) said: 'A Conservative MP has said that free school meals are effectively a direct payment to brothels and drug dealers. 'Notwithstanding the fact that the vouchers in summer could only be used to purchase food, this stigmatisation of working class families is disgraceful and disgusting'
Shadow children's minister Tulip Siddiq (pictured) has written to the co-chairwoman of the Conservative Party Amanda Milling
Mr Bradley said the context of his tweet was not clear.
He said: 'Pretty clear that I'm about to get hammered across social media/papers for the crime of a tweet where the context wasn't as clear as I'd thought it was.
'Needless to say, I haven't said what I'm being accused of, nor would I ever. I'm sorry if others get dragged in to the fire.
'If you want a proper debate you have to accept that sometimes you get it wrong. Proper debate is important. You learn from it, you move on. We're all human.'
He added on BBC Breakfast this morning: 'I think there has been a real, kind of, false characterisation this week, partly because, frankly, comms from Government around it hasn't been very good.
'But we all accept that we need to help, we all want to help, it's just been a question of how and from where.'
The MP for Mansfield said 'not everything has to come from central Government' and local communities also have a role to play.
He said: 'It wasn't a vote on Wednesday of ''do we or do we not help kids'', what we've done is put a billion pounds on to local Government this week to help them to target the most vulnerable families and help perhaps more precisely and more directly those most in need.'
He added: 'My point really is only that not everything has to come from central Government.
'I think Marcus's campaign has been brilliant in rallying round communities who also have a role to play in supporting people and I think that's really positive.'
Mr Bradley appeared on BBC Newsnight following the incendiary tweet about free school meals
The Tories appeared to double down on their stance on free school meals this morning as Baroness Barran (right) appeared on the Today programme. But Conservative MP Robert Halfon (left), who voted in support of extending free school meals, called on Boris Johnson to meet Rashford to thrash out a long-term strategy
She said: 'The Government has made over £200 billion available to protect people's incomes and people's livelihoods.
'We have worked very closely with charities who operate food banks across the country. There are different approaches to how we do this but we have used all the levers possible to try to make sure that people are safe and well as we go forward.
'We have provided more money through Universal Credit, we have provided more money to local authorities and we believe that is a better way of approaching this problem.'
But Conservative MP Robert Halfon, who voted in support of extending free school meals, called on Boris Johnson to meet Rashford to thrash out a long-term strategy.
The education select committee chairman told BBC Breakfast: 'I think that the Prime Minister should sit down with Marcus Rashford and the taskforce.'
He said doing so was a 'no-brainer', adding: 'It may be that they don't agree with everything that Marcus Rashford is proposing, but it would give us a chance to come up with a long-term plan to combat child food hunger once and for all.'
Insiders hint the government is looking into a partial U-turn after the backlash, with children potentially being given food at holiday activity clubs.
But a source told the Guardian it was being held up by the Treasury ahead of the spending review.
Rashford said in a statement to BBC Newsnight last night he 'couldn't be more proud to call myself British' after his campaign sparked an outpouring of support on social media.
The Manchester United footballer thanked hundreds of cafes, pubs and restaurants which came forward yesterday to offer half-term food for vulnerable children.
The striker also responded to criticism of his decision to start the campaign, saying those who wanted to talk about 'celebrities' and 'superstars' would find them in his Twitter feed.
This week a Labour motion for the meals scheme to be extended over school holidays until Easter 2021 was defeated in the House of Commons.
The campaign has been championed by Rashford, 22, who had called on people to 'unite' to protect the most vulnerable children after the vote.
Food being prepared at the Mumtaz restaurant in Leeds. They will be handing out free food boxes during half term for any child who would normally get a free school lunch after MPs voted to reject a motion to provide food to those in need during the school holidays
Now dozens of hospitality businesses have shown they 'stand with Rashford, not the 322', by supporting families during the school holidays. Pictured: Fiona Crump, owner of the Castle Beach Cafe in Falmouth
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Dozens of hospitality businesses have shown they 'stand with Rashford, not the 322' MPs who rejected the motion, by supporting families during the school holidays.
Speaking to BBC Newsnight, the England star said: 'Growing up we didn't have a lot, but we always had the safety net of the community. That community was my family.
When we stumbled, we were caught with open arms. Even at their lowest point, having felt the devastating effects of the pandemic, local businesses have wrapped arms around their communities today, catching vulnerable children as they fell.
'I couldn't be more proud to call myself British tonight. I am truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.
'You want to talk about 'celebrities' and 'superstars', look no further than my Twitter feed and that's exactly what you'll find.'
Some business giants are involved in the campaign, with McDonald's set to deliver a million meals for children in the next few weeks.
Chef Scott Cope prepares a sandwich at the Pudding Pantry in Nottingham. They will be making free lunch boxes during half term for children who would get a free school lunch
West Midlands mayor Andy Street said the Government should make 'a clear decision' on whether it would or would not fund free school meals over holidays 'well in advance'
Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson backed a campaign to provide free meals to vulnerable children, seeing it pass £35,000.
Councils including Redbridge Borough Council, Southwark Council, Hammersmith and Fulham Council and Liverpool City Council also said they would help out.
Announcing plans for food vouchers via the Co-op, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham tweeted: 'Was good to tell @MarcusRashford that we, his home city-region, aim to be the first in the country to achieve his vision.'
After unveiling a similar scheme in his city, Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson tweeted: 'Families are struggling more than ever to make ends meet. No child should have to go hungry and in Liverpool we won't let them. Thanks for your hard work and campaigning @MarcusRashford.'
A host of celebrities also offered their support to the England star, with journalist Caitlin Moran tweeting: 'Marcus Rashford's timeline swells your heart - people across the country doing something about feeding kids at Christmas.'
Musician Tim Burgess, a fellow Mancunian, tweeted: 'Wow, @MarcusRashford is a true hero of our times. So many MPs should feel shame over the fact that a footballer is helping the needy, more than they are.'
Support also came from across the football world, with ex-England striker and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker posting: 'Well played @MarcusRashford. Check his timeline. Extraordinary from a remarkable young man.'
A top regional Conservative politician waded in to the furore, blasting the Government's 'last-minute' decision-making.
West Midlands mayor Andy Street said the Government should make 'a clear decision' on whether it would or would not fund free school meals over holidays 'well in advance'.
Asked if the Government should have to fund half-term meals, he said: 'I think - at the last minute - you probably do have to fund it, is the answer to that.'
He added: 'It should not be a last-minute thing, this should be planned for, there should be a national approach on this.'
He added the lack of planning meant there was now an 'indiscriminate arrangement' across the country as to whether free school meals would be provided over the break.
McDonald's funding will enable charity FareShare to redistribute food to families who need it most in the coming weeks.
UK and Ireland CEO Paul Pomroy said: 'As a business we are committed to supporting and serving the communities in which we operate.
'In these challenging times, we know it's more important than ever to support those most in need.
'When we temporarily closed our restaurants in March, our people, franchisees and suppliers rallied to provide surplus food and support to food banks and charities.
'We were pleased that we were able to donate surplus food through FareShare and other organisations earlier this year, and we admire the fantastic work that FareShare continues to do to support families facing very tough situations.
'I am pleased to support the distribution of one million meals to the families most in need this Autumn, and I wish to thank and congratulate FareShare for everything they're doing.'
FareShare CEO Lindsay Boswell added: 'McDonalds is showing real leadership in supporting the most vulnerable in society to get access to healthy food at this critical time.
'The funding will enable the equivalent of 1 million meals to be redistributed to our charity network very swiftly, and we are very grateful for their urgent support.'
Celebrity chef Ms Lawson announced she was supporting a fundraiser set up by comedian Katy Brand to provide free meals.
It has passed £35,000 and Ms Brand said she was now aiming for £50,000, with the proceeds going to the charities FareShare, the Trussell Trust and Magic Breakfast.
Ms Lawson tweeted: 'It shouldn't have to be this way, but it is more important to feed a hungry child than argue about how it's done.
'Or rather, donate if you can and then do what's necessary to stop those who make children going hungry policy.'
It comes amid a difficult time for the hospitality industry, with many business owners struggling to cope with the effects of coronavirus restrictions on their trade.
Rashford, who was made an MBE after forcing a Government U-turn on free school meal vouchers over the summer holidays, said he was 'blown away' by the support.
The Manchester United footballer tweeted: 'Selflessness, kindness, togetherness, this is the England I know. 
Ali Waterworth, co-founder of Ruddi's Retreat in Huddersfield, which will be handing out free food bags during half term for any child who would normally get a free school lunch
Food being prepared at the Mumtaz restaurant in Leeds. They will be handing out free food boxes during half term for any child who would normally get a free school lunch
Marcus Rashford visiting FareShare Greater Manchester at New Smithfield Market with his mother (left), which is naming a new warehouse in her honour
Ms Crump said: 'I didn't know about Marcus Rashford sharing my post until someone and told me about it this morning'
Ozgur Babat, owner of the Portofino restaurant in Harrogate, which will be handing out free food boxes during half term
Mr Babat (pictured, one of the packages) will give them to any child who would normally get a free school lunch'Add #ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY to your tweets so I can track them. I will share as many as I can.'
Mr and Mrs Mahon from the Wirral are offering a free sandwich, cup of soup and piece of fruit to children over half term.
He said: 'My wife and I, we saw the vote in Parliament. And we were a bit dumbstruck. It seems like such an own goal by Parliament.
'They are talking about trying to balance the books, but you don't do that by letting kids fall destitute in the middle of a national health emergency.'
Marcus Rashford helps out at charity that feeds vulnerable children
England football star Marcus Rashford and his mother yesterday visited a food charity which is naming a new warehouse in her honour after MPs voted down his plan to provide free school meals during the holidays.
The pair's visit to FareShare Greater Manchester came a day after a Labour motion for the meals scheme to be extended over school holidays until Easter 2021 was defeated in the House of Commons.
The campaign has been championed by Manchester United footballer Rashford, 22, who had called on people to 'unite' to protect the most vulnerable children after the vote.
Rashford visiting FareShare Greater Manchester at New Smithfield Market with his mother
Visiting FareShare with his mother Melanie, he said: 'When we stumble, there will always be a community to wrap their arms around us and pick us back up.'
The football ace added that for many people this help will come from food banks staffed by 'selfless' volunteers who are dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable.
Hours after visiting the FareShare warehouse, Rashford heaped praise on local groups, businesses and schools which have done their bit for children in local communities.
He forced a Government U-turn on free school meal vouchers over the summer holidays, and his petition urging the Government to go further in tackling child hunger hit 100,000 signatures just 10 hours after it was launched.Mr Mahon said for every request for help they have had, they have received more than 20 times as many offers of support, with people asking to donate money.
He said: 'It's very heartening. We weren't expecting it.'
Chris Fletcher and Kerry Rossey are offering a free packed lunch at The Gingerbread House Cafe in Budleigh Salterton, Devon.
They have launched a GoFundMe page to cover the costs of providing the meals that has already raised more than £900.
Mr Fletcher said: 'As parents ourselves we don't believe any child should be hungry at any time.
'We would like to offer a free child's takeaway packed lunch which will include a sandwich, packet of crisps, piece of fruit and a carton of juice throughout half term.
'We posted this on Facebook and have been overwhelmed with messages from businesses and local people wanting to donate to help us fund this.'
'Thank you everyone for your support, we feel so proud to live in such an amazing community.
'It has been absolutely mad. It has been really good to see how everyone has come together and how many people have got involved.'
Fiona Crump, 56, is the owner of the Castle Beach Cafe - a tiny eatery that operates out the back of a shipping container in Falmouth, Cornwall.
She said: 'I didn't know about Marcus Rashford sharing my post until someone and told me about it this morning.
'I'm really angry that every one of the Cornish MPs voted against providing school meals and at the Government for their spending priorities.
'I find that anger is useless unless you turn it into action and I wanted to do something with it.
'I run a cafe so I thought what I can do is feed people. I'll be making pack lunches like what children would usually take to school.
'I have no idea how many I will be making - it could be two or it could be 2,000.'
Tony Dunn, 40, who owns the Rhubarb Shed Cafe in Sheffield, South Yorks., said it was 'unconscionable' to leave children hungry and was inspired by Rashford's mission.
The father of three said it was paramount that communities came together as families have been struggling through the pandemic through 'no fault of their own'.
His 60-seat café will offer children an option of a sandwich, cupcake or hot chocolate next Thursday and said they will keep serving food until they run out.
He said once they've run out they will find something else to cook up as 'children should never go hungry'.
Mr Dunn, who has owned the café for ten years, said: 'When I saw that the MPs voted against it I thought it was awful.
'Children are completely innocent and they should never go hungry. It's unconscionable to let something like this happen.
'I've seen people say that parents on the dole should be feeding their children but our community was hit hard by this pandemic.
Alex Stephens, owner of the Farm Fresh Market in Watnall Nottingham, with some of the sandwiches and drinks they will be providing free to local school children
Warren O'Connor (left) and Andy Aston (right) of Warren's Fruit and Veg at their Friday stall in the car park of Ye Olde Greene Manne in Northwood. They will be handing out free fruit and vegetables during half term for vulnerable children'Many of the families who can't afford food at the moment are people who have been working, but are now in a terrible situation through no fault of their own.
'I think it's just so important that as a community we come together and do every little bit we can.
'Seeing Marcus Rashford fighting has inspired many people, and I've seen so many restaurants and cafes trying to help out in any way they can as a result.'
He added: 'It's sad that it took Rashford going through all of this for some change to happen but we must see the positives.
'This is an incredible movement, and it's great to see communities banding together.'
Mr Dunn, who runs the café with his wife Paula, 34, said he's not a political person but that children going hungry 'isn't political'.
He said: 'My wife and I have been working here for ten years and we're the least political people you'll ever find.
'But children going hungry isn't political. It's something that just shouldn't happen.'
'We can only do so much, but I think it's so important that we lift people's spirits as we're going through incredibly difficult times.
'We are going to be serving food until we run out and then we'll get something else.'
London restaurant Group QOOT which owns brands by Chloe and The Lebanese Bakery said they would step in and offer free school meals for qualifying school children too.
The group of restaurants will offer a free main meal, side and drink before 1pm to school children on presentation of benefits document.
Scot Turner, QOOT Vice-President of Operations, said: 'When the Covid crisis first hit, QOOT and many other operators in the hospitality industry ran initiatives aimed at helping those most in need.
'While we continue to face unprecedented challenges, that commitment remains true, which is why we have been supporting Only a Pavement Away, to support London's homeless and have now stepped up to pledge support for Marcus's initiative with our London restaurants to offer free school meals, and urging our friends in the industry to get in touch and join us in supporting those children who are most vulnerable right now.
'For all our customers we encourage them to sign the petition and for our fellow industry colleagues we urge you to register your interest.'
A number of councils have also said they will offer free school meals for vulnerable children.
Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson said he would fund free school meals over half term, feeding approximately 19,800 children.
The council joins Liverpool FC and a host of local businesses who have offered help, food packs and meals to families struggling to put food on the table.
With the city now under Tier 3 lockdown restrictions and a lower government furlough in place, thousands more are in desperate straits.
Mayor Anderson said: 'We've all seen Marcus Rashford's campaign and I and my colleagues have all been really worried about kids going hungry in this city.'
He continued: 'So today I am announcing that the council will stand by these kids and extend our own voucher scheme to make sure that 20,000 children will get the food they desperately need over the holiday.
Food being prepared at the Portofino restaurant in Harrogate. They will be handing out free food boxes during half term for any child who would normally get a free school lunch
Ali Waterworth, with son Ruddi, founder of Ruddi's Retreat in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, who will be offering a packed lunch for children
'Times are tough for this council and we have been hit hard, but we will never lose sight of how hard things are for people who are trying to make ends meet in this city and I'm proud to announce this support today.'
He added: 'Hopefully this will make things a little bit easier for the families just trying to put food on their tables for their children in Liverpool.'
Labour-led Hammersmith and Fulham Council will give every pupil in need free school meal vouchers, equivalent to a £3 Tesco meal deal per day.
Council leader Stephen Cowan said watching the vote was 'cutting'.
He said: 'I have seen a lot of kids who need food. I was in a school on Tuesday speaking to kids who have the free lunches now and they were explaining they have gone for days without a proper meal.
'They were very sweet kids, and then I looked at the MPs who were so callously indifferent to that and I thought, how can that be happening in the fifth richest country on Earth.
'There are so many things they spend money on, it's a moral imperative.'
School breakfasts will be also delivered over the break to 600 pupils across the borough most in need of help.
Southwark Council leader Kieron Williams said the Government 'failed, so we are stepping up'.
The London council will reallocate funds to pay for free meals over half term.
Birmingham City Council said it will provide 61,000 children in the city with free school meals vouchers over the half-term.
Councillor Ian Ward, Labour leader of England's largest local authority, said: 'With the Government failing to come up with a plan for those families with children reliant on free school meals, through next week's half-term, Birmingham City Council will step forward.'
He added: 'There are some 61,000 children in Birmingham who receive free school meals.
'So we will be ensuring they get provided with a voucher during the half-term next week.'
Manchester City Council followed suit. Councillor Garry Bridges said: 'We stand with Marcus Rashford. No child should go hungry during the holidays.
'In the absence of Government support to ensure this, the city council is stepping in to fund the provision of a free lunch for all qualifying children this half-term.
'We're working with our schools and have also put extra money into our welfare support to make sure families who need meals for their children can get them.'
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