Lib Dems "ain't pukka"

Cllr's Steve Reed talking about Lambeth Labour proposals

Liberal Democrat Councillors running Lambeth voted against measures for healthier school meals, just weeks before the Government stepped in to make the improvements across England. At the council’s budget setting meeting on 23rd February, opposition Labour Councillors proposed investment so that every primary school pupil would have a free 1/2 piece of fruit with their school meal and 100% organic food. Every single Liberal Democrat and Tory Councillor opposed the spending, including Liberal parliamentary candidates Charles Anglin and Darren Sanders.

Today, Education Secretary Ruth Kelly announced an extra £280m over three years to be spent on improving school meals in England. TV chef Jamie Oliver has been running a campaign in recent weeks for healthier school meals.

Labour Councillors on Lambeth Council were delighted that their proposals will be taken up by the Government. Research shows healthy school meals can help children to concentrate at school and teach them good eating habits for later life.

Cllr Steve Reed, Leader of Lambeth Labour Group, said:

“Labour in Lambeth made its own proposals to improve school meals to be paid for by cutting the wasteful spending of the Liberal Democrats.”

“I’m delighted that the Government is stepping in to make this investment. It is Labour who is prioritising children’s welfare, whilst the Lib Dems are voting against healthier school meals.”

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