BRIDGWATER and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has defended his vote to introduce restrictions on free school meals for households claiming Universal Credit.

This week, Labour forced a vote in the House of Commons over proposals to introduce a £7,400 earnings threshold for free school meals.

Labour argued all children from households claiming Universal Credit benefits should be entitled to free school meals, as they currently are under 'transitional arrangements' during the rollout of the controversial scheme.

But the Government says those who currently receive free school meals will not lose them on April 1 - even if their household breaches the £7,400 earnings threshold.

However Labour, citing research by The Children's Society, says the changes mean up to a million children who would have been eligible for the meals under the current system will miss out once the threshold is introduced.

Before the vote Angela Rayner, Labour's Shadow Secretary of State for Education, said: “It is an absolute scandal that the Conservatives are pressing ahead with a plan that could leave over a million children without a hot meal in schools.

“These plans will create a dangerous cliff-edge in the Universal Credit system and make it harder for families on low incomes to make ends meet."

Conservative MP Ian Liddell-Grainger said the issue was complex and was keen to emphasise that the £7,400 income does not include benefits.

"We believe those in gainful employment, and earning above £7,400 have enough money to buy school meals. Somewhere along the line earned income has to be taken into account.

"It will be phased in so children up to 2022 will be protected, people will not suddenly be losing school meals who are currently entitled to them. I would urge anyone who has concerns about this to get in touch with my office on 01278 458383."

The Government claims the system will see 50,000 more pupils made eligible for free school meals than before the introduction of Universal Credit.

Labour's bid to see the provision kept for all claimants was defeated in the Commons by 312 votes to 254.