Lib Dems Champion Free School Meals for Children in Poverty and Propose National SEND Body

Universal free school meals for all impoverished children is a key policy the Liberal Democrats plan to advocate, according to party sources.

Additionally, Munira Wilson is expected to propose the creation of a national organization dedicated to supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Sunday, September 15, 2024, 7:

The Liberal Democrats are set to advocate for complimentary school meals for every child living in poverty, a move they believe will enhance academic performance.

During her keynote address at the party's conference in Brighton on Sunday, Munira Wilson, the spokesperson for education, will advocate for the establishment of a national agency dedicated to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Ms. Wilson, the representative for Twickenham since 2019, is anticipated to announce at the conference that expanding the free school meals program would ensure "more students are well-fed each lunchtime," which would result in "improved academic performance, enhanced behavior and focus, and better health results."

She plans to recount an anecdote from a voter who said she had to forego her medications so her daughter in college could have enough money for lunch.

"She's slated to express concerns about students who simulate eating from barren lunchboxes to conceal their lack of food at home, stating that such situations should not occur in contemporary Britain."

"Providing a free school lunch to every impoverished child would ensure that an additional 900,000 students have a nourishing meal each noon. This could lead to improved academic performance, enhanced focus and behavior, and better health results. However, the Labour Party has not addressed this issue."

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The organization she plans to talk about would be in charge of children with the most intricate needs and would cover expenses beyond a specified limit to ensure that "the most severely disabled children have their support funded at a national level."

Ms. Wilson is set to highlight pressing issues, stating: "It is unacceptable that countless parents are compelled to battle local authorities in court to secure the support that legally belongs to their children."

"When parents are victorious in nearly 98% of cases, it's clear that there's a flaw in the system."

"A scenario in which numerous councils avoid bankruptcy solely because they can exclude SEND support costs from their financial statements."

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She is anticipated to reaffirm the Liberal Democrats' commitment to serving as a constructive counterpoint to Labour, following their significant gain of 72 seats in the July general election.

On Saturday, upon his arrival at the conference via jet ski, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey declared that his party would serve as "the most effective opposition in parliament, surpassing the Conservatives."

He criticized the Labour Party for reducing winter fuel allowances for numerous retirees, arguing that there were other solutions for mending the economy, like imposing higher taxes on the richest individuals.

This morning on Sky News, "Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips" will feature Lib Dem chief Sir Ed Davey, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Conservative contender James Cleverly, starting at 8:30 AM.

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