Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell quits parliamentary role over free school meals

Eastbourne and Willingdon MP Caroline Ansell has quit her parliamentary role after voting against the government on extending free school meal vouchers.

Ms Ansell voted for Labour’s motion on extending free school meal vouchers until after Easter 2021 for families in receipt of Universal Credit or an equivalent benefit.

Yesterday, MPs voted down Labour's motion by 261 votes to 322.

As Ms Ansell voted against the government, she has resigned from her unpaid position as Parliamentary Private Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Today she published this statement:

"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."

"Therefore, last night, I voted for Labour’s motion on extending free school meal vouchers until after Easter 2021 for those families in receipt of Universal Credit or an equivalent benefit."

"I do not consider this extension could be in any way a long-term solution to this need, which is complex. There are better ways to help children, including linking meals to activities so they can also benefit from extra-curricular learning and experience."

"However, as we are still very much living in the shadow of the pandemic, vouchers are a lever - not perfect, not sustainable - but one which I thought could be used to reach families in Eastbourne and across the country in the immediate time ahead. I could not in all conscience ignore that belief."

The Scottish and Welsh devolved governments are currently providing free school meals until Easter.