08Sep 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Rashford mix up should be “final nail in coffin” for Gavin Williamson

Rashford mix up should be “final nail in coffin” for Gavin Williamson

Parliamentary news
Commenting on the news that Education Secretary Gavin Williamson incorrectly claimed to meet Marcus Rashford, Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson Daisy Cooper MP said: “This is a shocking and embarrassing admission that shows Gavin Williamson is simply not up to the job. “The Education Secretary has let down children, parents and teachers by failing to secure enough cash to catch up on lost learning during the pandemic. "Now he has confused two black sporting heroes and failed to recognise Marcus Rashford, who has led the charge on fighting child poverty. “If rumours of an imminent reshuffle are true, this must surely be the final nail in the coffin for Gavin Williamson holding ministerial office ever again." After claiming to meet Marcus Rashford online, Gavin Williamson's team later confirmed that he met…
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06Aug 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Rashford is showing up this compassionless Government

Rashford is showing up this compassionless Government

Parliamentary news
Responding to the news that Marcus Rashford has called on health professionals to help more families in need sign up to a government-backed food voucher scheme, Liberal Democrat Work & Pensions Spokesperson Wendy Chamberlain MP has said: "Rashford is once again showing this compassionless Government how to do the right thing. "The Government must focus on outcomes. Money spent on a programme doesn’t matter if it’s not doing the thing it was intended to do. They must step in and do everything they can to publicise this "Healthy Start" scheme, to support parents and families. "In addition, they must also make the scheme accessible to communities that are most in need by working with local councils and community groups. They should stop promoting a culture which makes people feel like…
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27Oct 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Time to give child food poverty the boot

Borough news
Liberal Democrat Councillors are playing on the same team as campaigning footballer Marcus Rashford when it comes to tackling child food poverty. The 22-year old Manchester United star has just been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his work ensuring that no child goes hungry. This is an issue close to the heart of Saddleworth North Liberal Democrat Councillor Garth Harkness, who is proposing a motion at the next full meeting of Oldham Council (November 4) seeking cross-party support for Mr Rashford’s pioneering work. He has frequently raised child hunger with the Council. Being employed at a Manchester school, Councillor Harkness is well-aware of the adverse impact that hunger can have on a child’s educational performance. Commenting Councillor Harkness said: “When many people think of top-flight footballers,…
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16Jun 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Government spending £120m on Festival for Brexit instead of free school meals over the summer

Parliamentary news
The Liberal Democrats have accused the Government of being "callous and heartless" for spending £120m on a Festival For Brexit, when the same amount of money could be spent on extending free school meals over the summer. Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson, Layla Moran, made the intervention ahead of an opposition debate today on calls to extend free school meals during the coronavirus outbreak. The Government recently confirmed that the Festival for Brexit will be going ahead in 2022, with £120 million of taxpayers' money earmarked for the event. This is the exact same amount it would cost to extend free school meals to all eligible pupils over the six-week summer holiday. Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Layla Moran said: “Leaving children hungry while ploughing millions into Brexit propaganda is callous and…
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