Prime Minister,
Can I take a moment of your time on the issue of #FreeSchoolMeals?
As a GP of 24yrs working in many deprived areas may I suggest you watch 2 films?
“I, Daniel Blake” & “Sorry We Missed You”both by Ken Loach (2016 & 2019). 1)

Both are set in the NE, where I’ve worked for 30yrs. They are the truest depiction of the current realities of a life in poverty & deprivation. The effects are profound, relentless & brutal. Those affected feel insignificant, of little value, they’re excluded from society. 2)

Of course some ppl make bad choices, we all do. But when they do, they have no safety net, nothing to fall back on. The chances of those born into poverty changing “their lot in life” are slim. The likelihood of them repeating the same pattern with their own families is high. 3)

No one would choose not to feed their children. This is not about irresponsibility or failure. Money buys many things, incl choices & freedom. Families on Universal Credit or minimum wages have few choices & little freedom. Their lives are a constant battle to survive. 4)

Hungry children can’t concentrate, they may behave badly or underperform. They’re unlikely to achieve their full potential, which may be their one chance to change the path of their lives.
These children deserve our care & support during this time of such great hardship. 5)

@MarcusRashford is a truly inspiring young man & has achieved so much already.
I urge you to watch both films
& reconsider supporting these children during the #COVID19 pandemic.
@BorisJohnson @10DowningStreet
@Conservatives @RishiSunak
@vickyford
#ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY End