Council leader pledges no child in Sunderland will go hungry during school holidays
Sunderland’s council leader has pledged that no child will go hungry this half term after the Government voted not to extend the free schools meals scheme.
Coun Graeme Miller has praised the response from businesses, community group and individuals to provide support to vulnerable families.
A Labour motion calling for the scheme to be extended over school holidays until Easter next year was defeated by 261 votes to 322 in the Commons on Wednesday, October 21, with five Conservative MPs rebelling to vote with the Opposition.
Coun Miller said the council had a ‘moral obligation to step in where the Government would not, to ensure vulnerable young people were not left with empty stomachs during one of the most challenging periods in living memory’.
Coun Miller said that donation would ensure the most vulnerable youngsters in the city are provided with a meal during the October holiday.
He said: “It is utterly abhorrent that any MP would deprive vulnerable young children of a meal during one of the most challenging periods our nation has ever faced.
"How anyone can, in good conscience, reject a motion that protects a group in society that has no ability to fend for itself - and no voice in this debate - is beyond belief.
“However, like many of my friends and colleagues, I have been absolutely blown away by the kindness and compassion shown by people and businesses in Sunderland, who are absolutely determined to do their bit to protect our children.
“Businesses that have been starved of income for months during lockdown have stepped in. People have donated to foodbanks, and the kindness just keeps on coming.
"And we have a moral obligation as a Labour-led council to prioritise and protect our children, so we will ensure that, coupled with the fantastic support of people and businesses, we get food to those little ones who most need it over the coming week.
"As it always does, this city has stood up for what is right, and I am immensely proud.”