Borders MP defends voting against free meals for kids

His choice to vote with the majority of Tories, along with Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell, has been strongly criticised on social media amongst his constituents, who say it’s tantamount to taking food from hungry children.

Among them was his predecessor, former SNP MP Calum Kerr, who said it was a case of “basic humanity and decency”.

“He added: “I cannot fathom how anyone could vote against this.

“Thank goodness we at least, for the moment, have the ability to take a different approach in Scotland.”

Mr Kerr was referring to a Scottish Government move to make available £10 million so that councils can continue providing free school meals through the winter breaks, with future funding confirmed to extend support over Easter.

The Labour motion was based on a campaign on child hunger by Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford.

He had urged MPs to unite and not be “influenced by political affiliation”.

However, on Wednesday evening, MPs rejected the motion by 322 votes to 261.

While other Scottish Conservative MPs joined Messrs Lamont and Mundell in voting against the motion, Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross abstained.

Defending his choice, Mr Lamont told us today: “I strongly believe that no child in the Borders, Scotland or in any part of the UK should go hungry.

“Instead of voting for a Labour opposition day motion that would deliver no practical assistance to families, I have instead chosen to give my support to a range of other measures which I believe will provide direct and meaningful assistance to those in real need.

“I am working closely with colleagues south of the border to deliver a scheme in England which is closer to what Marcus Rashford is calling for.”

After the vote, an angry Rashford tweeted: “A significant number of children are going to bed tonight, not only hungry but feeling like they do not matter because of comments that have been made today.

“We must stop stigmatising, judging and pointing fingers.

“Our views are being clouded by political affiliation. This is not politics, this is humanity.”

Not all Tory MPs agreed with Mr Lamont, however, with Eastbourne’s Caroline Ansell quitting her ministerial post as parliamentary private secretary at the department for environment, food and rural affairs, and voting for the motion.

She said: “In these unprecedented times I am very concerned to be doing all we can to help lower income families and their children who are really struggling due to the impact of the virus.”

The Southern has contacted Mr Mundell for comment.