Caroline Lucas has called for every school pupil in Brighton and Hove to receive a free school lunch.

Caroline, the parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion constituemcy at the next general election said providing a free, nutritious meal for every pupil would boost children’s health and academic performance.

She argued this would cut long-term costs to both the NHS and the welfare benefits system – and end the ‘social stigma’ of pupils from less-well-off backgrounds receiving handouts while others are forced to pay.

The Euro-MP and national Green Party leader said: “They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch but I believe that when it comes to schoolchildren there should be.

“Greens on Brighton and Hove City Council are making great strides improving the standards of school meals in the city – and I think all children should benefit from that.

“The cost should be met in the short-term by Government, but in the long-term the health and social benefits will mean a free school meals policy will pay for itself.”

Caroline, who made her comments after a recent visit to Brighton Varndean College, said the removal of charges for school meals will be welcomed by families across the city who are currently facing tougher economic times – and would tackle rising levels of childhood obesity, poverty and inequality.

Recently-published figures show that 37 per cent of children in the Brighton Pavilion parliamentary constituency, and 50 per cent of those in neighbouring Brighton Kemptown – are living in poverty.

Meanwhile, some six per cent of the city’s five-year-olds are obese – but after six years of primary school this figure rises to a staggering 16 per cent.

Caroline added: “Free school meals for everyone is an idea whose time has come.

“Green councilors in Brighton and Hove are pushing for the council to follow the example of Hull, and the advice of child welfare charities, and introduce a local scheme immediately to tackle these shocking rates of child poverty and obesity.

"The real answer though must be a change of policy to benefit all children and families in the UK.”

MEDIA: for more information please contact the campaign Green Party press officer on 07931 231390.