SWINDON'S two MPs are pleased the government has changed its mind about funding the provision of free school meals in the holidays.

Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson were reacting to the announcement of £400m winter support by prime minister Boris Johnson, which is part of a larger package for low-income families who have been struggling through coronavirus pandemic.

Three weeks ago the pair voted against a Labour amendment mandating the government pay for the provision of free school meals until the end of the Easter 2021 holidays.

It followed a campaign by Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford and provoked a storm of protest. But at the weekend the government performed its U-turn.

Mr Tomlinson, the North Swindon MP and minister for state at the Department of Work and Pensions, said: “This welcome scheme goes further, providing much-needed, wraparound support for those families hardest hit by the pandemic.

“This long-term package will help with food, housing and education – including the school holiday clubs which I have long championed for in Parliament.

“Local authorities have the local ties, connections and expertise to work closely with families to make sure the support is tailored and provides an extra layer of welfare protection in these uncertain times.

“This support will go hand in hand with our £20 a week increase to Universal Credit, £52bn support for the furlough and self-employed schemes which have helped 12m people and our £30bn plan for jobs.”

After Sunday’s announcement, Rashford said: “I had a good conversation with the prime minister to better understand the proposed plan and I very much welcome the steps that have been taken to combat child food poverty in the UK.

“The intent the government have shown today is nothing but positive and they should be recognised for that.

“The steps made today will improve the lives of near 1.7 million children in the UK over the next 12 months, and that can only be celebrated.”

At the time of the vote in Parliament justice secretary Mr Buckland said he voted against the Labour amendment because: “It is important that families are able to maintain their independence and budget through a responsible and effective welfare system.

“We need to support those who need it the most, without creating a cycle of state dependency and that is a delicate balance and one which I fully support.”

His Old Town office was the target of an “empty plates” protest this month, where opponents left plates outside the door to symbolise children left hungry.

The South Swindon MP said yesterday: “As I said we need to get the balance right which is why last year we set up the independent review chaired by Henry Dimbleby. I very much welcome the publication of the first part of the National Food Strategy, which will kick start a full review of our food system.

“A key recommendation of the report was to expand the number of eligible children for free school meals by an additional 1.5 million. I am proud that this Conservative government did exactly that and is investing up to £35m into the National School Breakfast programme.”