The UK Government's recent decision to expand free school meals is seen as a significant step towards alleviating child poverty, allowing all pupils from families on universal credit to qualify starting in the 2026/27 academic year.

This initiative aims to lift approximately 100,000 children out of poverty and addresses the critical issue of hunger as a barrier to learning.

Charities and campaigners, including the Child Poverty Action Group, have praised the announcement as a game-changer for children and families, but stress that further measures are necessary.

Critics argue that the government's welfare policies, particularly the controversial two-child benefit cap, exacerbate child poverty and need to be reconsidered.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has hinted at the possibility of reviewing the two-child limit in response to dissent within his party, ahead of a key strategy announcement on child poverty.

Organizations like the NSPCC and Action for Children advocate for the removal of the two-child limit, suggesting it could lift over 350,000 children out of poverty.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that this initiative is a significant intervention to reduce poverty and improve educational opportunities for all children.

Experts from the Institute for Fiscal Studies warn that while the expansion will benefit over 500,000 additional children, it may not significantly reduce child poverty in the short term.

Action for Children’s chief executive, Paul Carberry, stated that while the changes are beneficial, they alone cannot achieve the ambitious reduction in child poverty promised by the Prime Minister.

Daniel Kebede from the National Education Union welcomed the change but noted that many children just above the eligibility threshold will still miss out on free meals.

The Liberal Democrats acknowledged the expansion as a victory for campaigners but insisted that more comprehensive action is needed to address child poverty.

Research indicates that a significant percentage of teachers report students being too hungry to learn, highlighting the urgent need for such initiatives.