Humza Yousaf has been accused of falling behind London, Wales and even one of Scotland’s own councils in delivering on promised free school meals.
The Scottish Government provides lunch for P1-5 pupils but has failed to make good on a commitment to extend the policy to all primary children along with a pilot rollout in secondary schools.
That is despite dire warnings from teachers, unions and the outgoing Children and Young People’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson that the policy is desperately needed to fight rocketing child poverty.
The First Minister challenged Labour MSP Monica Lennon to provide proof Scotland was “falling behind” at Holyrood last week.
And in a letter seen by the Sunday Mail she has now written to him stating: “I was not afforded the opportunity to respond in the chamber, I hope you find the following information helpful.
“The Mayor of London has pledged £130 million in emergency funding to provide Universal Free School Meals for every state-educated primary student in London from September 2023.
“The Welsh Government has pledged that every primary school child will have access to Universal Free School Meals by the end of 2024.
“In Scotland, Inverclyde Council has taken welcome steps to prioritise the rollout of universal free school meals to primary 6 and primary 7 pupils, from within its existing budget, rather than be slowed down by the Scottish Government’s stalled implementation plans.
“The Scottish Government can be proud of its record in making universal free school meals available to Primary 1 to 5 pupils.
“The serious delays to the rollout, however, is letting down children and young people.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
