MP dismisses critics of abstention on vote for free school meals

Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart said she was in favour of the motion but was unable to get to parliament as she was giving ‘priority help’ to families in her constituency.

The Labour motion, inspired by premiership footballer Marcus Rashford, was to vote for free school meals for disadvantaged children during school holidays in England.

The motion was rejected after the Conservative government voted against it.

A list of DUP MPs who abstained from voting on the issue was circulated widely on the internet with the party’s Jim Shannon praised for ‘breaking ranks’ and voting for the motion.

Alliance Cllr Eóin Tennyson, who sites on Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, had accused Mrs Lockhart of not bothering to cast a vote saying: “It’s just heartless, and absolutely shameful.”

Mrs Lockhart said: “This was an opposition ‘take note’ motion related to free school meals in England but is one that I support and indeed the Executive will implement in NI. I was in my constituency dealing with the urgent and pressing issues in the community I represent. In light of the latest restrictions, I have been inundated with calls, emails and messages from people in Upper Bann seeking help.

“This includes getting priority help to local families and children who now face a winter of poverty due to widespread redundancies as a result of the economic impact of the coronavirus. I am working with many businesses to ensure they get the support they need to keep their doors open and protect local jobs and livelihoods. I needed to be here to help these people.

“My party colleague and our Spokesperson on this issue, Jim Shannon, remained in Parliament and voted in favour of the Motion on free school meals on behalf of the DUP. Proxy votes are only available to MPs for medical or public health reasons linked to the coronavirus pandemic.

“While Councillor Tennyson focuses on playing childish political games on social media and launching misinformed attention seeking attacks on me, I will continue to provide an on the ground, professional constituency service that delivers for the needs of those I am privileged to represent and entrusted to help.”

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