Today, as the Education Minister for school food, Stephen made the historic announcement in the House of Commons that all children in households in receipt of universal credit will be entitled to free school meals.

• Delivers on Plan for Change to break down barriers to opportunity by driving better behaviour, attainment and wellbeing in schools while putting nearly £500 in parents’ pockets
• Labour’s historic move will lift 100,000 children out of poverty and support parents in decisive action to improve lives ahead of Child Poverty Strategy
• Comes alongside more than £13 million to ensure food that might have been left in fields instead ends up on the plates of those who need it, including school children

From the start of the 2026 school year, every pupil in Portsmouth whose household is on Universal Credit will have a new entitlement to free school meals.

The city MP, who is also the Minister for Early Education, announced the government’s plans in a Ministerial Statement in the House of Commons today. In his statement, Mr Morgan said:

“Growing up in Fratton, I saw first hand the devastating impact poverty can have on a child in Portsmouth, with friends coming to school hungry and not ready to learn. 

“That’s why I’m proud to stand here today as we offer a helping hand to ensure every child, whatever their background or wherever they’re from, achieves and thrives.”