Labour is today calling on backbench Conservative MPs to defy Boris Johnson and vote to support the extension of free school meals over the holidays in a vote set to take place on Wednesday.

Tulip Siddiq MP, Labour’s Shadow Children and Early Years Minister, has written to every backbench Conservative MP, asking them to support Labour’s proposal, which would provide additional support to over 1.4 million children in every school holiday until Easter.

On Saturday, Labour called for the government to extend free school meals, starting with the October half term which begins in a matter of days. This followed a decision by the Labour Government in Wales to provide this additional support, which was welcomed by Marcus Rashford.

Boris Johnson’s spokesperson previously rejected this measure, saying that it is not the role of schools to provide food to children outside of term.

Tulip Siddiq MP, Labour’s Shadow Children and Early Years Minister, said:

“Families across the country are worrying about how to make ends meet, but the Prime Minister is ruling out giving over a million children food support over the holidays.

“Every Conservative MP now has an opportunity to make it clear that they will support the families in their constituency who are worrying about how they will put food on the table in the weeks ahead.”