Marcus Rashford has challenged Therese Coffey, the secretary of state for work and pensions to respond constructively to his campaign for free school meals over the summer, after Coffey attempted to undermine him this morning.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has been working throughout the lockdown with Fareshare, a charity which provides free food to children. With his help the charity has raised £20 million.
Rashford is now campaigning for the government to extend its voucher scheme for free school meals for low income families over the summer. Rashford himself relied on free school meals as a child.
His plea has so far been refused by the government and Coffey had not commented on the issue before today.
This morning, however, Rashford tweeted:
“When you wake up this morning and run your shower, take a second to think about parents who have had their water cut off during lockdown.”
Therese Coffey, in her first engagement with the issue, and showing not the slightest concern for struggling families or hungry children, simply responded:
“Water cannot be disconnected though.”
Rashford replied:
“I’m concerned this is the only tweet of mine you acknowledged. Please, put rivalries aside for a second and make a difference. #maketheuturn”
There is an opposition day debate on the issue today, but so far no sign of the government being willing to back down or work constructively with the young striker.
