North East MPs Sharon Hodgson and Roberta Blackman Woods have welcomed today’s announcement that 500,000 more pupils across the UK will be entitled to a free school meal. Chancellor Alistair Darling used his assessment of the nation’s finances to reveal that Labour would extend existing pilots of universal free school meals to every region as well as increasing support for working families, lifting another 50,000 children out of poverty.

The move follows a long campaign by regional MPs and anti-poverty charities and will be seen by many as a sign that the Government believes the current pilots of free school meals in County Durham are delivering exceptional results across the City. Campaigners are now hopeful that a commitment to universal free school meals could feature in the Labour manifesto next year.

Sharon Hodgson MP said:

“The ultimate goal remains that every child should be entitled to a free, hot, healthy school meal but today’s announcement will make a difference to some of the poorest households in the country and we should welcome it. I’ve been saying for years that universal free school meals will bring health, educational and environmental benefits and I am glad that the Government is getting the message.”

Roberta Blackman Woods MP said:

“After a great deal of campaigning by Sharon, myself and the Women’s group of the Parliamentary Labour Party, along with outside organisations we got a Free School Meal pilot scheme in County Durham covering my constituency. The early indications are that the scheme is extremely popular and successful with some schools in Durham showing that every single child is now eating a free, nutritious lunch. I am delighted that the Chancellor announced he will now extend the pilots to every region. In areas not covered by the extra pilots the Government will provide extra help for families on lower-incomes by allowing more children to get free school meals.

“The benefits of free school meals are plain to see. Kids learn social skills, they get nutritious meals, their concentration and therefore attainment improve, employment is boosted, and local businesses are supported through local purchasing which also helps the environment. The scheme really ticks every box.”

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said:

“It is brilliant news that the Chancellor has announced that the Free School Meal pilots currently running in Newham, Durham and Wolverhampton are going to be spread out across the country. The early feedback from the pilots shows really strong support from schools and parents and I believe that they have a real impact not just on children’s health and well-being but also on exam results. Healthy school dinners feed the minds and bodies of our children helping them to get the most out of their school day. Sharon and Roberta have been tireless in their campaigning on this issue their commitment has helped keep school meals on the Government’s agenda and I’m sure they won’t stop now.”

John Dickie of Child Poverty Action Group said:

‘The announcement of the extension of free school meals to a further half a million primary children with parents in work lifting another 50,000 children out of poverty is fantastic news and will help hard pressed family budgets stretch further. The work of MPs like Sharon Hodgson and Roberta Blackman Woods to promote this issue in Parliament has been vital and we are pleased the Chancellor has listened to campaigners’ calls on this issue.”