A CONSERVATIVE MP’s decision to vote against extending free school meals over holidays has sparked backlash from Labour opposition.

Simon Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness, voted not to extend free school meals over the holidays. Mr Fell said the best way to support families outside of term time is through Universal Credit, rather than free school meals.

However, Chris Altree, chair of Barrow and Furness Constituency Labour Party, described the MP’s vote as ‘disappointing’.

He said: “It’s disappointing to see that our MP has once again voted against our area and against thousands of children locally. Over the past six months, our government have wasted £21 billion on faulty tests, faulty PPE and a failed track and trace system, yet Mr Fell and his government claim there is not enough money to ensure our children don’t go hungry this Christmas. Only 10 months into office and Mr Fell has proved himself to be nothing but another yes man for an incompetent government.”