SNP must reverse shameful school meal U-turn
The SNP must reconsider its shocking U-turn and re-commit to delivering universal free school meals for all primary school pupils by 2026, says Scottish Greens education spokesperson Ross Greer MSP ahead of a parliamentary debate.
The Scottish Greens previously secured the expansion of universal free school meals to pupils in Primary 4 and 5, alongside a commitment to include Primary 6 and 7 as soon as possible.
The commitment was included in Programmes for Government up to 2023 when the Scottish Greens were in government, but has been dropped by the SNP in this year’s plan.
A Green amendment to the motion called for the SNP to also fulfil their commitment to pilot universal free school meals in high schools, but this was not selected for debate.[1]
Mr Greer said: “The SNP have said that their biggest priority is tackling child poverty, but this shameful U-turn completely undermines that.
“The Scottish Greens fought hard to secure expansion of universal free school meals because we know how important they are for tackling child poverty and inequality. We were proud to secure the inclusion of all Primary 4 and 5 pupils and the commitment to include Primary 6 and 7, so we are deeply disappointed to see the SNP drop that commitment at the first opportunity.
“No child should be forced to go hungry, and free school meals are crucial to ensuring there is no stigma for the families who need support the most. Finishing the rollout is a crucial step in building a compassionate society, just like the fund the Scottish Greens recently secured to cancel all school meal debt held by struggling families.
“The SNP is choosing to fund tax breaks for big business rather than warm meals for children in schools. They must reconsider this choice and instead prioritise the health and wellbeing of Scotland’s young people.”
Mr Greer added: “I am glad that there is a majority in Parliament against the SNP’s decision, but there is clearly more than a whiff of hypocrisy from the Tories here.
“No other force in recent UK history has done as much to push children into poverty as the Conservative party. They are the party of the child benefit cap, social security cuts and the decimation of key public services.”
Notes:
[1] As an amendment to motion S6M-14406 in the name of Liam Kerr (Free School Meals for all Primary Pupils), insert at end ", and calls on the Scottish Government to fulfil its commitment to pilot the expansion of free school meals in secondary schools in this parliamentary session."