Lib Dem MP Tom Gordon hails free school meals ‘victory’ as 27,870 children in North Yorkshire set to benefit

The Government has finally heeded Liberal Democrat calls to expand free school meals, a long-standing priority for local Lib Dem MP Tom Gordon.

Figures published by the Government suggest that over 4 million more children should receive free school meals by 2026/27 – which could see 27,870 young people in North Yorkshire benefitting from the change. 

Responding to the announcement, Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon said: 

“For years families have had to choose between heating or eating, just to make sure their child had food for a school lunch. That should never have happened.

“Today is a victory for so many families and passionate campaigners and we’re so glad the Government has finally listened to Liberal Democrat pressure. Thanks to the efforts of thousands of supporters, 27,870 children in North Yorkshire are finally on track to receive the meals they need and deserve.

“But this can’t be the finish line. The next step must be automatic registration for those entitled to free school meals, cutting the cost of school uniforms and crucially, ending the two-child benefit cap. We’ll keep pushing until no child is left behind."

ENDS