Government declines to debate Jamie Oliver about free school meals

The TV chef appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme (Picture: Getty Images)

The government declined to debate Jamie Oliver about his calls to extend free school meals to every child whose parents are on Universal Credit.

The TV chef guest edited BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme as part of his campaign, but apparently no ministers from the Department of Education were available to join Jamie on the show.

Westminster Council recently announced all children attending state-funded primary schools in the borough will be eligible for free school meals from next year.

But households in England receiving Universal Credit must earn below £7,400 a year before benefits and after tax to qualify for free school meals.

Speaking to presenter Nick Robinson, Jamie said he was ‘proud’ of the council’s new policy.

‘Every school, 32,000 of them, can be just like this,’ he said.

‘This is ours to celebrate. So, of course, I’m proud of what they’re doing here. And when you see it working… you do realise it’s not rocket science.’

He was asked about the high cost of providing free school meals and why children’s parents should not be expected to feed them instead of the government.

The TV chef has called for free school meals for children whose parents are on Universal Credit (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

‘That can only come from a lens of someone that’s never been hungry, or struggled,’ he said.

‘If, as I have, you have looked into the eyes of parents that are worried about their child being fed… whatever values you put around the society we live in, forget them.

‘If parents worry about feeding their children, chaos ensues in many, many, many, many different ways that are immeasurable, directly.’

Sir Tony Blair backs Jamie’s calls for free school meal rollout for children whose parents are on Universal Credit.

Speaking on the show, he said: ‘This is absolutely fundamental.’

He’s been known to campaign for healthy food options in the past (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I honestly don’t think there’s anything more important for the future of the country but to make sure we deal with this – early years education and wellbeing.’

A Department for Education spokesperson said the government understands the pressures that many households are under.

‘We understand the pressures many households are under, that is why we are supporting more children and young people than ever before,’ the spokesperson said.

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‘Over a third of pupils in England currently receive free school meals in education settings and we have just announced a further investment in the national school breakfast programme, extending the programme for another year backed by up to £30 million.

‘We have acted on soaring energy costs through the energy price guarantee, saving a typical household over £900 this winter.

‘The energy bills support scheme is also providing a £400 discount to millions of households this winter, further support is available for the most vulnerable who will receive £1,200 each this year.’

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The TV chef has called for free school meals for all children whose parents are on Universal Credit.