The Scottish Greens previously secured the expansion of universal free school meals to pupils in Primary 4 and 5. A commitment to include Primary 6 and 7 as soon as possible was also made, but this has been dropped by the SNP in this year’s plan.
The Scottish Government lost the free school meals vote in Holroyd on Wednesday, but the SNP is not obliged to take action. A Green amendment to the motion also called for the SNP to fulfil its commitment to pilot universal free school meals in high schools, though this was not selected for debate.
Greer commented: “The SNP have said that their biggest priority is tackling child poverty, but this shameful U-turn completely undermines that. The Scottish Greens fought hard to secure expansion of universal free school meals because we know how important they are for tackling child poverty and inequality.
“We were proud to secure the inclusion of all Primary 4 and 5 pupils and the commitment to include Primary 6 and 7, so we are deeply disappointed to see the SNP drop that commitment at the first opportunity. No child should be forced to go hungry, and free school meals are crucial to ensuring there is no stigma for the families who need support the most.
“Finishing the rollout is a crucial step in building a compassionate society, just like the fund the Scottish Greens recently secured to cancel all school meal debt held by struggling families. They must reconsider this choice and instead prioritise the health and wellbeing of Scotland’s young people.”