Starmer under pressure to commit to universal free school meals in England

Exclusive: National Education Union includes call in submission to forum that will determine Labour’s general election manifesto

Keir Starmer is facing mounting calls to extend free school meals to every child in England if Labour makes it into power, to help families struggling with the cost of living and close the educational attainment gap.

The National Education Union has also called for long-term funding for the holiday activities and food programme fronted by the England footballer Marcus Rashford, offering free places to children on universal credit (UC), in its policy submission to the party.