PARLIAMENT VOTES FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS

PARLIAMENT VOTES FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS

LIBDEMS AND TORIES VOTE TO TAKE FOOD FROM CHILDREN

South of Scotland MSP Aileen Campbell has welcomed today's vote in the Scottish Parliament which will allow free school meals to be extended to an estimated 118,000 pupils from 2010.

The legislation to extend free school meals to all P1 to P3 children passed despite the failure of Lib Dems and Tories to support the proposals.

Speaking after the Committee vote Ms Campbell said;

"With an estimated 118,000 pupils poised to benefit from free school meals as a result of today's vote this is excellent news for Scotland's children.

"However the failure of some opposition parties to vote for today's legislation shows where their priorities really lie.

"This was a disgraceful vote by the LibDems – possibly their lowest point in the Parliament since devolution.

"We expect Tories not to care about improving the health of Scotland's children or stigmatising them; but people will be astonished that the LibDems voted to take the food from the mouths of Scotland's children.

"This shows just how right wing and out of touch the LibDems have become – no wonder they lost their deposits in Glasgow East and Glenrothes.

"Despite evidence from across civic Scotland such as charities, churches, trade unions, and anti-poverty groups that this policy will play a key role in improving children's education, health and well being - their failure to support the extension of free school meals speaks volumes about LibDem priorities in these times.

"With 90,000 children in poverty currently excluded from free school meals the SNP's actions will not only improve health but will take steps to tackle poverty across the country and at a time when there are serious economic concerns.

"As the pilot schemes showed free school meals are popular and successful with children, parents and teachers. Today's decision is an excellent step for Scotland's school pupils."