A campaign led by Manchester United FC forward Marcus Rashford seeking to provide nearly 1.3 million children living in the United Kingdom free school meal vouchers during the holidays has been given the nod by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, shortly after ministers had opposed the idea of extending the scheme put forward by Rashford over the summer break on many occasions in the past.
The 22-year old Rashford has stepped up his campaign in recent weeks and had applied gentle pressure on the ruling government through publishing an open letter last Sunday which urged the politicians opposing his plans to feed poverty-stricken children during this time of COVID-19 impacted break when schools are closed.
In the U-turn made by Boris Johnson and his government, the official spokesperson for the Prime Minister acknowledged the fact that the United Kingdom government would pledge £120 million worth summer food fund for the children who are in need of it.
Many of the Conservative politicians including former minister George Freeman and Robert Halfon, had seconded Rashford’s idea and had nudged the government led by Johnson to change their stance on the issue for the betterment of the children belonging to poor families.
Boris Johnson’s spokesperson also acknowledged the efforts made by Rashford and commended him for using his platform as a popular English sportsperson to spread a brilliant idea to make the lives of the needy children better.
Moreover, the spokesperson also added that the prime minister did consider Rashford’s plea to extended the food voucher drive and was grateful to him for such a noble cause. On the official confirmation made by the ruling party, Rashford took to Twitter to express his delight at the success of his campaign.
I don’t even know what to say.
Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020.— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) June 16, 2020
A host of popular figures across the United Kingdom spectrum came together to congratulate Rashford on his successful mission to convince the ruling government in extending the free school meal voucher drive.
The English international had previously spoken about his personal struggles while growing up in a poor household and had expressed his desire of wanting to help such children in today’s world who faced the struggles of not fulfiling their food requirements due to lack of money.
Rashford had previously worked with a charity to raise millions with the objective of providing food to 400,000 children and had worked with local organisations to counter the horror of homelessness in the United Kingdom.
A hero. An inspiration. One of our own.
We are so proud of you, @MarcusRashford ❤️ pic.twitter.com/haAb0m2I4u
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 16, 2020
Must Check – 11 Facts About Marcus Rashford You Need To Know
Great to see @ManUtd’s number 10 changing policy at number 10. Extraordinary campaign and win for the brilliant @MarcusRashford
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 16, 2020
Sir Marcus Rashford
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) June 16, 2020
"Footballers should stick to playing football."
👏 Rashford: Helping to feed 3 million kids a week
👏 Zaha: Offered free housing to healthcare workers
👏 Henderson: Helped set up 'Players Together' fund
👏 Kane: Purchased shirt sponsor space to promote charities pic.twitter.com/E52DghaHlE— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 16, 2020
BREAKING: The government is extending its free school meal voucher scheme through a £120m Summer Food Fund, Downing Street said, following a campaign by @MarcusRashford
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) June 16, 2020
I have so many reasons to be proud of @MarcusRashford. He plays for my club and my international side AND he’s from Wythenshawe in Manchester, like me. But mostly I’m proud of him for being an exceptional, empathetic and kind-hearted lad. 👏#MarcusRashford
— John Bradley (@johnbradleywest) June 16, 2020
Children's free school meal vouchers in England will be extended over the summer following Marcus Rashford's campaign.
More: https://t.co/JBfKbidKmH pic.twitter.com/1YmHOVWO4w
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 16, 2020
This is another welcome u-turn from Boris Johnson.
The thought of 1.3 million children going hungry this summer was unimaginable.
Well done to @MarcusRashford and many others who spoke out so powerfully about this issue. #HolidaysWithoutHunger
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 16, 2020
