London mayor elections: Sadiq Khan pledges to extend free school meals

Sadiq Khan introduced the scheme for the 2023/24 academic year

Sadiq Khan has promised to continue free school lunches for older primary school children for four more years.

The pledge, costing more than £500m, forms the centrepiece of his manifesto for a third mayoral term.

The government funds meals for more than half of London's pupils, including those eligible for support because their family receive benefits.

The Lib Dems pledged to maintain them. Conservative mayoral candidate Susan Hall said she would review the policy.

The Green Party candidate said she would go further with free school meals and help young Londoners with the cost of living.

'Uncosted pledges'

Mr Khan said he wanted to "give the next generation a chance".

"Free school meals have proved a lifeline during the worst decline in living standards on record - saving parents and carers up to £1,000 per child over two years but they do much more besides," he said.

"That meal can be the difference between a child realising their potential and falling short of it.

"That meal removes the shame of not having enough money to eat. That meal makes children feel equal."

In September, City Hall made free school meals available to nearly 300,000 more pupils, those aged 7-11, for the 2023/24 academic year. Nationally, Labour's policy is to provide breakfasts for all pupils, not lunches.

Mr Khan (centre) made the pledge alongside Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner (second right)

Conservative candidate Susan Hall suggested money might be better targeted on "more nutritious meals" for the most needy.

A spokesperson said: "The only way Sadiq Khan can afford these uncosted pledges is by slashing police funding and bringing in pay-per-mile.

"Susan is listening to Londoners, which is why she will make our city safer and scrap Sadiq Khan's Ulez expansion and pay-per-mile plans on day one."

Green Party candidate Zoe Garbett said: "A Green mayor would go much further to listen to what young people need and want from our city.

"There are still thousands of secondary school children going hungry across the city and in our fully costed manifesto, I believe City Hall can comfortably afford to provide free school meals to them as well."

Liberal Democrat candidate Rob Blackie said: "The Lib Dems introduced free school meals for five to seven year olds, so I can commit to keeping free school meals for all primary school children if I am elected."

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