John Swinney accused of 'betrayal' over free school meals for all primary pupils

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John Swinney accused of 'betrayal' over free school meals for all primary pupils
John SwinneyScottish National PartyEducation
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The SNP had promised to introduce free school meals for all primary pupils before the next Holyrood election.

John Swinney faces a growing backlash after the SNP Government ditched its plan to offer free school meals to all primary pupils by 2026.

She added: "Free school meals for all primary school children was a commitment the Scottish Greens secured back in the 2021 budget. This was being delivered when we were in Government. Anti-poverty campaigners and charities have long highlighted the benefits of offering a nutritious lunch to any youngster that wants one, regardless of their ability to pay.

But she was only able to say that free meals would be rolled out to all youngsters in P6 and P7 "when additional funding becomes available". Swinney had earlier admitted to another MSP: "We will not be able, in this parliamentary term, to roll out availability on a universal basis across primary 6 and 7 pupils."

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