NORTH Shropshire MP Owen Paterson says he will continue to help support the needs of residents despite fears from some over the government's action against continuing free school meals (FSM) over Christmas.
The Conservative Government recently courted controversy after a vote against continuing free school meals for children over the October half-term and Christmas holidays.
In a recent letter, Mr Paterson said he had not received any correspondence from residents over FSM, but did encourage anyone with issues to get in touch.
"Supporting vulnerable children, families and individuals has been at the heart of what the Government has been doing throughout the pandemic," said Mr Paterson.
"Nobody believes that hungry children should not be fed, or that the Government does not have a role to play in this; we simply disagree on the best way of delivering this aim.
"We must target support to those that need it most and make sure that those families and children that need support can get it.
"All children in Shropshire who are in receipt of free school meals will receive help throughout the entire Christmas holiday period.
"While there has been considerable coverage of what Parliament did not agree, there has been less attention to what it did agree and what I supported.
"Following the debate, MPs backed the existing new package of support measures for families which is worth billions on top of FSM. Parliament endorsed ongoing activities to help the most vulnerable children in society.
"As the needs of vulnerable people have changed during the pandemic, so has the support available. The day after this debate, which carried no weight, new job support measures were announced.
"As winter approaches, I expect colleagues to continue in this spirit to support the most vulnerable children in a range of ways.
"As yet, I have not received any correspondence from constituents who are unable to feed their children over half term.
"Nevertheless, if you are aware of any local families who would benefit from support over the half term holiday, I would encourage you to get them to contact my office so that I can help to ensure that they receive the help that they need."
To contact Mr Paterson, email patersono@parliament.uk or call 020 7219 5185
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