This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has scored a major victory in his campaign to provide free school meals vouchers to vulnerable children during the summer holidays.
On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the go-ahead for the £15-a-week vouchers to continue, benefiting an estimated 1.3 million children.
The decision comes after Rashford's passionate appeal to the government was initially rejected, but the Man United striker's persistence and the pressure from Tory MPs and celebrities ultimately led to the change of heart.
According to a spokesperson for the prime minister, the British government will now run a food fund for the entire duration of the summer, providing vouchers that can be used in supermarkets.
"I don’t even know what to say. Just look at what we can do when we come together, this is England in 2020," Rashford tweeted in response to the news.
Johnson's spokesperson praised Rashford's efforts, saying, "He’s been using his profile in a positive way to highlight some very important issues."
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