David Miliband, the foreign secretary, has come out in favour of free school meals for all Islington primary school children.
He backed the controversial policy – championed by the local Labour party – during a visit to Angel to support Emily Thornberry MP’s re-election campaign for Islington South. But Mr Miliband avoided saying that the Government would bring in free school meals across the country, calling the Islington scheme a “pilot”.
He said: “I think it’s great that you’re running this pilot and I’m very happy to endorse your pilot. But if we’re going to think about it nationally, you’ve got to think how do we pay for it.”
Free school meals remain a divisive issue for Islington Council. Last month, the opposition Labour group managed to extend the policy to all primary-age children in Islington, a scheme which is currently being piloted in six of the borough’s primary schools.
Speaking to Islington Now, Cllr Catherine West, leader of Islington’s Labour councillors, said: “I agree [with Mr Miliband] that we have to be very careful with funds, but equally, I think it’s a very good investment in children’s education, particularly where you have schools which struggle in terms of standards. In Islington schools, we need to push up the standards and diet is an important part of that.”
But the minority Liberal Democrat administration fears the scheme is too expensive, and would reportedly ditch universal free primary school meals if they increase their majority at the local elections on May 6. Their treasury executive member, John Gilbert, has argued that poorer taxpayers would end up subsidising richer parents, which he described as “Robin Hood in reverse.”
Mr Miliband joined Ms Thornberry on the campaign trail as she spoke to residents on Noel Road and Gerrard Road, before addressing around 50 Labour activists in The Daily Grind Coffee shop, Duncan Street. He also took a short break to speak to US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton on the phone. Mr Miliband told the crowd that Mrs Clinton wished to pass on her “warm regards” to the Islington Labour Party.
Speaking of the general election, Mr Miliband said: “If we don’t elect Emily, we won’t have a Labour government. Simple as that. As Islington goes, so the country goes. What we need to make sure of is that her reputation for principle, drive and determination is reflected in a vote that is going to be a very, very difficult one in a few months’ time.”
Photo credit – Tom Brooks-Pollock
