UK government under fire as Unicef helps to feed children
- Unicef grant will provide for 18,000 breakfasts, which will be distributed by schools
- Coronavirus pandemic is the most urgent crisis affecting children since World War II
The British government faced criticism after it emerged a UN agency is helping to feed hungry children as part of its first ever UK emergency response.
The opposition Labour Party said it was “a disgrace” that a grant from UN children’s agency Unicef was helping fund breakfast for nearly 2,000 struggling families over the Christmas school holidays.
“We are one of the richest countries in the world,” said Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner, adding “it should have never come to this”.
“Our children should not have to rely on humanitarian charities that are used to operating in war zones and in response to natural disasters.”
The ruling Conservatives have already faced severe criticism and been forced to U-turn over the provision of free meals to the poorest children during school holidays.
That followed a high-profile campaign by Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford during the coronavirus pandemic.