Two of the candidates who are standing in the General Election to become Burnham-On-Sea’s next MP have this week exchanged verbal blows over claims that the Conservatives plan to scrap free school meals.
Liberal Democrat Tessa Munt said: “In my day, people would chant, ‘Thatcher, Thatcher, milk snatcher’ and if Theresa May wins with a landslide next month, there’ll be shouts of ‘Theresa May took your lunch away’.”
“Taking lunches away from schoolchildren gives a flavour of what will happen if you don’t vote for decent, and independent-minded MPs like me in the House of Commons.”
“Every parent knew their child sat down at a table to eat a nutritious, hot, midday meal with their classmates. This is a hugely popular policy with busy working parents and those who are less well off, alike. This just demonstrates Theresa May and her colleagues’ cold and mean-spirited vision for Britain’s future.”
But Conservative candidate James Heappey, right, responded: “A manifesto for Government requires tough decisions. Free school meals will still be provided for children whose parents are on low incomes and free breakfasts for all primary school age children will be introduced too.”
“The savings from not providing meals for those who can afford to pay will go straight into education budgets, meaning more much-needed money for our schools.”
Voters will go to the polls on June 8th to elect Burnham-On-Sea’s next MP. See the full list of Burnham-On-Sea 2017 General Election candidates.
