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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Pippa Crerar Political editor

Starmer under pressure to commit to universal free school meals in England

A school canteen
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has already announced free school meals for all primary pupils across the capital for a year from September. Photograph: Daniel Leal/AFP/Getty Images

Keir Starmer is facing mounting calls to extend free school meals to every child in England if Labour makes it into power, to help families struggling with the cost of living and close the educational attainment gap.

The National Education Union has also called for long-term funding for the holiday activities and food programme fronted by the England footballer Marcus Rashford, offering free places to children on universal credit (UC), in its policy submission to the party.

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