I strongly welcome the Government’s U-turn on ending free school meals for 1.3 million vulnerable children this summer holiday, a move which would have affected nearly 5000 children here in St Helens borough.

Manchester United player Marcus Rashford has done an inspirational job in showing leadership and generating support for the Covid Summer Food Fund, and it is only thanks to him, local & national campaigners and action in Parliament by Labour MPs that Ministers changed course.

St Helens North has seen a 72% rise in unemployment since March, indicating the growing burdens Covid-19 has forced on households across our communities. For countless families feeling the squeeze, free school meals are a real lifeline – ensuring many of our children don’t go hungry.

It’s only right this isn’t taken away from those who need it most.