Richard Quigley MP Welcomes Free School Meals Expansion

Richard Quigley MP has welcomed the Labour government’s announcement to extend

free school meals to all children in households receiving Universal Credit, calling it an

“important moment” in the fight against child poverty.

The move is set to benefit over 6,000 children across the Isle of Wight, including

approximately 3,000 children in Isle of Wight West, ensuring more pupils receive a

nutritious meal each school day.

“This is the kind of decisive action that shows the power of a Labour government,” said Richard Quigley MP.

“Around 3,000 children in my constituency will now have access to free school meals — helping them to learn, thrive and stay healthy.

"Every child deserves a fair start in life, and this policy helps make that a reality.”

The policy is part of Labour’s Plan for Change to break down barriers to opportunity and

ease the burden on working families. Key features include:

• Free school meals for all children in households on Universal Credit, regardless

of income threshold

• Up to £500 per year saved per eligible child, easing the cost of living for families

• A projected 100,000 children lifted out of poverty nationwide

• Support for better behaviour, attendance and academic performance in schools

This measure comes alongside over £13 million in funding to redirect surplus food —

which might otherwise be wasted — to children and families in need, including through

schools.

Until now, children were only eligible for free school meals if their family earned less

than £7,400 annually, leaving hundreds of thousands of children in poverty excluded

from support. The new policy closes that gap.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“Working parents across the country are doing everything they can to provide for their families, but many are being held back by the cost-of-living crisis.

"Feeding more children every day, for free, is one of the biggest interventions we can make to ease that pressure, tackle child poverty, and help children learn.

"This expansion is a truly historic moment.”

Richard Quigley MP said:

“While I am, of course, delighted by today’s announcement, we must not pretend that the fight against child poverty is over. I sincerely hope this is just the beginning - and that we’ll see further action following the publication of the Child Poverty Taskforce’s recommendations.

"That said, the fact that around 6,000 children on the Isle of Wight will now be able to go to school well-nourished and ready to learn is a fantastic moment for our Island.

"This is about giving every child the chance to succeed — and today marks real progress in that mission.