GMB fury as Jeremy Hunt explains reasoning behind vote against Marcus Rashford’s school meals plea

Jeremy Hunt has sparked fury after revealing the reasons why he voted against Marcus Rashford’s free school meals plea.

Appearing on today’s episode of Good Morning Britain, the MP was questioned by hosts Kate Garraway and Charlotte Hawkins as to why he chose not to support the England footballer’s plea.

Mr Hunt said: “I voted with the government on this one. I think it is incredibly difficult.

“Everybody has enormous sympathy with Marcus Rashford and what he is arguing for.

“I think we need to see where we are at over Christmas.”

(Image: GMB/ITV)

It comes after Tory MPs voted against footballer Marcus Rashford’s bid to have free school meals for eligible children extended through the coming holidays.

Labour’s motion, which called for the scheme to be extended over school holidays until Easter 2021, was defeated by 261 votes to 322 – majority 61.

He added: “We need to analyse it and see where we are at. If we are in a lockdown situation, if families on the breadline need extra help, I think the government will be sympathetic.

“We are not at that point yet.

“I think it’s fair to say the Chancellor has been more generous than any government anywhere else in terms of financial support.

“As I say, let’s get to the Christmas holidays and see the situation we are in.”

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Rashford has tweeted: “If children were fed properly you would increase educational attainment and boost life chances. @KelloggsUKI calculated we would spend at least £5.2M a year on lost teaching hours as teachers are caring for hungry kids.

“And for a more humane response, since March, 32% of families have suffered a drop in income. Nearly 1 million have fallen off the payroll. This is not dependency, this a cry for help. There are no jobs!! 250% increase in food poverty and rising. Nobody said this was simple…”

Many viewers tuning into the ITV show from home took to Twitter to vent their anger.

One tweeted: “Weak questioning – you should have absolutely slammed him for voting that way.”

Another commented: “Listening and agreeing are 2 different things mate!!!”

“Shame on you” A third simply said.

A fourth wrote: “Words are cheap.”