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Jan 2021

Last Updated: 14/01/2021

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Andrew Jones MP 'shocked' by 'inadequate' free school meals

by John Plummer

| 14 Jan, 2021

The Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough MP calls for urgent action but his comments have drawn criticism from opponents who highlighted he failed to support free school meals.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has spoken of his "shock" at the inadequacy of free school meals and called for urgent action.

A constituent in Knaresborough told Mr Jones she had received two pre-packed sandwiches, two mini yoghurts, an apple, an orange and two potatoes to feed her son for five days.

The Conservative MP said on his website this "simply isn’t good enough" and that he would ask children’s minister, Vicky Ford to investigate the issue "as a matter of urgency". He added:

"There are reports that the companies distributing this food have been paid £30 for a week’s food but you could buy what my constituent received for a few pounds. Fortunately my constituent can manage this week but that isn’t the point.

"Surely it would have been better and cheaper to give parents a loaf of bread and the ingredients to make their own sandwiches rather than send supermarket pre-packs? It would have been more nutritious too.

"What has been sent seems to me to be completely inadequate. Whichever companies are being used to supply the meals need to buck their ideas up and do it pronto.”

Mr Jones voted against free school meals last year and his comments have drawn criticism from political opponents.

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Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrats tweeted:

"We were shocked that he voted against giving free meals to low income kids in the first place."

Harrogate and Knaresborough Labour Party tweeted:

"Ten days worth of food costing £30! Cronyism in all its glory, profiteering from poverty and neglecting the very children that need to receive healthy, substantial food! Let’s hear our MP justify this!"

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Andrew Jones MP 'shocked' by 'inadequate' free school meals

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