The government's decision to extend free school meal tickets has been hailed as "welcome announcement" by Kent MP's.

The move was announced today following mounting public pressure as a result of a campaign fronted by Premier League football player Marcus Rashford.

KMTV report on the government's U-turn

The 22-year-old Manchester United forward pressured the government to "make the U-turn" to support vulnerable families across the UK.

Following a campaign that saw the subject trend on twitter in England over the last few days, several MP's have welcomed the government's decision.

Folkestone and Hythe representative Damian Collins praised the move and expressed his gratitude to Mr Rashford shortly after the news broke.

He said: "I'm pleased the government has now agreed to continue funding the free school meal vouchers.

"Thanks to Marcus Rashford for highlighting the importance of this support for families."

The Conservative MP, who also held a position as chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee until earlier this year, had previously spoken out in support of the campaign.

Labour MP Rosie Duffield said that the news was "a great reason to have to tear up my speech for today's debate".

"Well done to the brilliant Marcus Rashford for using his platform to bring about change", she added.

Tracey Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford said that the campaign by young football star had resulted in "a very welcome reconsideration" of the school meals policy.

She added that it would mean that "children from the poorest families in Chatham & Aylesford will continue to be supported".

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