“Labour has always supported families accessing free school meals over half-term, but announcing this U-turn during the week itself is far too late.
“Families have been extremely worried that they would not be able to feed their children properly this week as a result of the Government’s initial reluctance. The fact that a petition of over 100,000 signatures was needed shows how much worry and confusion this has caused.
“Food poverty is sadly on the rise in this crisis. Free school meals are the only proper meal that some children get, so it is vital that they continue to be funded.”