Marcus Rashford letter

qq you are clearly one of those very special kind of people

Jo Maugham QC
@JolyonMaugham
It takes a very special kind of Government to ask itself the question "what's the best place to make a saving of one tenth of one percent of our pandemic spending" and come up with the answer "by taking food from the plates of the poorest children in the country."

I would prefer that this footballer campaigned for people to not have children they cannot afford to feed and for men to start taking responsibility for the children they father and for women to make better choices in the men they allow to impregnate them.

It is not the state's responsibility to feed children.People need to take individual responsibility for themselves, their actions and their families. Too many people think it doesn't matter if a relationship fails or they don't have to work because they can just claim benefits.

They are voting today on the issue.

Local hero - Marcus Rashford.
I have always believed that children who qualify for free school meals should continue to be provided with a decent meal throughout the school holidays.
What a great young role model he is. On the radio yesterday, he talked about going to Poundland with his mum where she'd buy yoghurts so her children could have one yoghurt each day. She worked as well as bringing up her children.
All credit to her and to the ManU youth group, who arranged for Marcus to go into their "digs" at 11, a year younger than most boys, because it was agreed he needed to be well fed and provided with good role models, to reach his potential.

It reminded me of our family history where one of my uncles was sent to be "built up" before he could join his unit in WW2.

I don't think there's a much more aggressive act than keeping food from hungry children when it's in one's power to feed them.

I am impressed by him, he is a kind person, caring and gentle but strong, his mother was a good example to him. Treat all people as you would want to be treated. I cannot stand the bad language and aggression that people bully you with now to make their point yours.

What a fabulous young man Marcus Rashford is and what an absolute f**king disgrace that he has to reach out to this sh*t shower of a government pleading they feed hungry children.

Apologies for the expletives but this should NOT BE HAPPENING!

Marcus Rashford:
The government has taken a ‘whatever it takes’ approach to the economy – I’m asking you today to extend that same approach to protecting vulnerable children. I encourage you to hear their pleas and find your humanity.

Boris Johnson:
No.

I saw him this morning and was very impressed by him, his mother must be bursting with pride.

Articulate and honest, his Mother should be proud of the caring and understanding young man she raised.

There is a petition on 38degrees.org.uk to stop free school meals ending in the summer holidays.
It is a scandal that this is happening. What is wrong with this government allowing this to go on year after year. It has been known that some children do not have a proper meal in the school holidays. Hence the emergence of such groups as Make Lunch ..

As far as I am aware, the only schemes around here are run by volunteers who cook meals from food donated by the public, the government has no input whatsoever. Now going to the link, I need something uplifting to confirm my faith in human nature.

I know you did GrannyGravy, but it shouldn't be that difficult to find out.

The reason I suggested you find out about your own area is that areas do differ. I know for an absolute fact that there are no free out of school holiday schemes in my area, but I don't know whether that's typical.

If it is typical, the government's comment about schemes running as usual is worth absolutely nothing - not even the oxygen to utter the words.

In our town the local FoodBank is increasing deliveries to families with children at the moment and in the summer they usually do daily children's packed lunches. I don't think they'll have the means to do that this year as the current demand is in danger of outstripping supply.

Like Marcus Rashford I too was raised in Wythenshawe and had free school dinners, and because we were very poor and we'd previously suffered from malnutrition we also went to a different school canteen in the summer holidays to continue getting school meals. I hate to think that in 2020 children in this country are still in food poverty, but I'm genuinely touched that this young man (remember he's still only 22) is getting his name in the papers, not for a scandal, but for calling on the government to feed vulnerable children - and has literally put his money where his mouth is.

growstuff I did say I had no idea what the arrangements were.

A very sensible and clearly well brought up young man. My 10 year old, footy mad grandson loves him and what an excellent role model he is.

GrannyGravy When you've found out about holiday schemes and activities in your area, let us all know.

Summer holidays have always been a problem for children on free school meals and demand for food banks soars. This year the problem is worse because more families are living at a tipping point.

What the government is saying is that it's going to do naff all. So much for caring for all those vulnerable children whom so-called leftie teachers are depriving of an education, eh? Pure hypocrisy!

There are absolutely no plans at all for the usual holiday schemes etc and the Government as ever and always is lying- it knows we know it is lying and it doesn’t give a damn because we are basically beneath its contempt

I've been reading about Marcus lately. He's done so many wonderful things for charity.

I watched his interview, admirable young man, a marvellous roll model.

After the interview they read out a government statement saying whilst they were discontinuing the vouchers, there would be lunches provided by way of the usual holiday schemes / holiday activities these children would have participated in the same as previous years. I have no idea what these arrangements are?

Why is the government even thinking about getting rid of food vouchers.Well done for highlighting this , Marcus Rashford. It is so good you have spoken out.
In previous years our church has taken part in Make Lunch an organisation providing a meal for children during the school holidays I must admit I was shocked to hear that children were going hungry in the holidays,.It is still going onto our shame .

I'd be proud of this young man as a son. Well done to him.
You CAN turn your life around if you're determined enough to do it and I admire those who do.
He had a good woman at the back of him----his mum ! The world needs mums like that.

Rashford and former footballer, Joe Cole, have helped raise £20 million for FareShare. Apparently, Rashford made a personal donation.

Lovely interview. What a thoughtful and humble person!