Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Peterborough primary school to roll out extension of free school meals

The pupils at the school are one of thousands set to benefit as part of the Prime Minster’s pledge to drive down child poverty.

Sir Keir Starmer, along with Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson MP, were in the city to mark Labour’s plans to rollout free school meals to every child in a household receiving Universal Credit. This will see up to 16,000 more children in Peterborough receive a free hot meal each school day.

From September 2026, tens of thousands of additional children in the East of England will be eligible for the scheme after it is rolled out to all families on Universal Credit. This move is expected to lift 100,000 children out of poverty across England and marks a decisive step forward for the government’s new Child Poverty Strategy.

Since 2018, children have only been eligible for free school meals if their household income is less than £7,400 per year, meaning hundreds of thousands of children living in poverty have been unable to access free school meals.

For local parents, this will mean nearly £500 a year back in their pockets - real help with the cost of living at a time when many need it most. This new entitlement, launching in the 2026 school year, will support thousands of families across Peterborough and forms part of Labour’s plans to help families, including the expansion for free childcare and investment in Family Hubs in the city.

According to the government, more than 268,000 children in the East of England were living in relative poverty before housing costs, with 20,000 in poverty in Peterborough alone.

The group joined local MPs Andrew Pakes and Sam Carling with meatballs and pasta with pupils at Welland Academy.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I know all parents want the best for their children and how tough it can feel when money is tight. Making sure every child gets a good meal at school isn’t just about putting food on the table – it’s about giving them the best chance to learn, grow and thrive.

“I’m proud we’re expanding free school meals to all families on Universal Credit - saving parents hundreds of pounds and lifting thousands of children out of poverty. Alongside breakfast clubs and better childcare, these changes will make life a little easier for families who need it most.

“No child should go to school hungry or miss out on opportunities because their parents are struggling, or because of where they live. I am determined to bring down child poverty and give every child the best possible start in life.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson added: “It is the moral mission of this government to tackle the stain of child poverty.

“From free school meals and free breakfast clubs to funded childcare and Best Start Family Hubs in every local area, we will not stop going further and faster to cut that unfair link between background and success.

“In the next school year, thousands more children across the East of England will begin to see the benefits of a guaranteed, nutritious meal to power them through the school day, and boost their learning so they can achieve and thrive.”

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes, said: “It was great to join the Prime Minister and pupils in Welland for meatballs and pasta. No child should have to learn on an empty stomach or miss out because of family finances.

“This expansion of free school meals will help thousands of pupils in Peterborough, relieve the pressure on parents, and give every young person the chance to thrive.

“I’m proud that Labour is making good on our promise to give every child the best possible start in life.”

Sam Carling MP for North West Cambridgeshire added: “I’ve heard from so many families in our community who are struggling with the cost of living – and school meals are one of the biggest everyday pressures.

“It’s a big step towards making sure no child misses out on learning because they’re hungry – and a clear sign of Labour’s commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life.”