Public support for UK footballer's free meal drive

Public opposition is mounting to the British government's decision not to provide free meals for poor children during school holidays as the COVID-19 pandemic pushes more families into poverty.

The House of Commons last week rejected legislation that would have provided free meals during all school holidays from October through the Easter break. Experts say some four million children live in poverty, and a third rely on free school meals.

Members of the public interviewed by British broadcaster Sky News in West London praised Marcus Rashford, a 22-year-Manchester United soccer star whose campaign earlier this year helped pressure the government into providing free meals during the coronavirus lockdown.

"He's actually amazing. I've signed the petition online and, yeah, I just think he's fantastic," said one woman.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told Sky News the government was taking a broader approach, having increased welfare benefits and provided 63 million pounds ($82 million) to local communities to help people.

The opposition Labour Party has warned it will bring the issue back to the House of Commons if ministers do not change course in time for Christmas.

"We are honestly hoping that the Conservative government dig deep and look introspectively and perform a U-turn on this," said Shadow Minister for Mental Health Rosena Allin-Khan.

The Children's Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield, told Sky News she has been both horrified and disappointed by the debate.

"We're a wealthy country, it's 2020, and to have a debate about whether we should make sure that hungry and vulnerable children have enough to eat is something that is strikingly similar to something we'd expect to see in chapters of 'Oliver Twist' - a novel published in the 19th century," she commented.