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Families of children entitled to free school meals will now be able to claim vouchers to help put food on the table over the summer, in a Government U-turn.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman this morning announced the Covid Summer Food Fund after the Government came under pressure from England footballer Marcus Rashford as well as Tory backbenchers.

Mr Rashford had appealed to the PM directly in an open letter to allow vulnerable children who have been getting free meals during the coronavirus lockdown to carry on receiving them over the summer holidays.

It had been reported the Government would stand against the move in the Commons today before the announcement was made.

England footballer Marcus Rashford led the campaign. Photo: PA

The scheme will get £120m of new funding to reach the 1.3m pupils who are entitled to free school meals. Families will be able to use vouchers worth £15 a week until the end of the summer break.

Government U-turn as children on free school meals will receive summer holidays support