Protests planned outside MPs' offices over free school meals row

A protest was planned for this morning outside Amanda Milling's office in Hednesford and another has been planned outside Marco Longhi's Dudley office on Friday.

Protestors also gathered outside Walsall Council House with placards on Monday.

It comes after MPs voted against a Labour motion to back Manchester United and England star Marcus Rashford’s scheme to extend free school meals for all holidays until next summer.

More on this story:

• How communities across the region are stepping in to feed families this half term

• Tory MP says he and his family have had death threats over school meals vote

• Empty plates left at Wolverhampton MP's office in protest over free school meals

• Protest in Walsall as council refuses to fund meals in school holidays

• Dudley Council will provide emergency food vouchers to those in need

Wolverhampton Council has said it will pay for free school meals for 16,000 children this half term, Staffordshire County Council is promising a £15 voucher to the families of up to 18,000 children, which can be used in major supermarkets on food or essential supplies and Dudley Council will also provide emergency food vouchers.

Sandwell Council’s deputy leader Councillor Maria Crompton, said the council will assist families struggling to feed their children and that they are looking at future holidays to see what more will be needed to support their families.