Rashford’s message already has some support from those in power, with Conservative MP Robert Halfron writing a letter to children’s minister Vicky Ford earlier this month calling for the same thing. If faced with unemployment, parents like mine would have been down at the job centre first thing Monday morning to find any work that enables them to support their families. Today, parents do not have this as an option. Businesses support footballer’s campaign after politicians refused to extend provision of free school meals through summer. Full text: ‘India needs action now,’ say 116 former bureaucrats in letter to Modi Modi is one of the worst pandemic leaders in the world, say academics. This figure is expected to rise by an additional one million by 2022. On a week that would have opened Euro 2020, I wanted to reflect back to 27 May 2016, when I stood in the middle of the Stadium of Light in Sunderland having just broken the record for the youngest player to score in his first senior international match. Management: @dnmaysportsmgt. I encourage you to hear their pleas and find your humanity. Like Marcus Rashford I too was raised in Wythenshawe and had free school dinners, and because we were very poor and we'd previously suffered from malnutrition we also went to a different school canteen in the summer holidays to continue getting school meals. I also know from talking to people that there is a two-child-per-family limit, meaning someone like my mum would only have been able to cover the cost of two of her five children. Whilst 1.3 million children in England are registered for free school meals, one quarter of these children have not been given any support since the school closures were ordered. I have listened when fathers have told me they are struggling with depression, unable to sleep, worried sick about how they are going to support their families having lost their jobs unexpectedly, headteachers who are personally covering the cost of food packages for their vulnerable families after the school debit card has been maxed out; mothers who canât cover the cost of increased electricity and food bills during the lockdown, and parents who are sacrificing their own meals for their children. This is England in 2020, and this is an issue that needs urgent assistance. Food poverty in England is a pandemic that could span generations if we don’t course correct now. Campaigners have even threatened legal action over the cancelling of free school meal vouchers, led by food charity Sustain and the Good Law Project. It was announced on Wednesday that Mr Rashford will receive the City of Manchester Award in honour of his campaigning. Manchester United letter has sent a passionate letter to all MPs asking for them to reconsider their decision to end free school dinner vouchers, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. Explaining his motivation behind writing the letter to the BBC, Rashford said: ‘It’s written from the heart and it’s about how my life was at the moment – the letter is to open up and let people understand the impact on families and to know I’ve done the right thing. Please, while the eyes of the nation are on you, make the u-turn and make protecting the lives of some of our most vulnerable a top priority. During this pandemic, people are existing on a knifeâs edge: one missed bill is having a spiral effect, the anxiety and stress of knowing that poverty is the main driver of children ending up in care, a system that is designed to fail low- income families. Below is a letter sent by Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford to the government: On a week that would have opened Uefa Euro 2020, I wanted to reflect back to May 27th, 2016, when I stood in the middle of the Stadium of Light in Sunderland having just broken the record for the youngest player to score in his first Senior International match. This is England in 2020…. (200,000 children according to Food Foundation estimates). MORE : Jadon Sancho tells friends he could join Manchester City over Manchester United, MORE : Jadon Sancho should be ‘patient’ and postpone Manchester United transfer, says Phil Neville. As their stomachs grumble, I wonder if those 200,000 children will ever be proud enough of their country to pull on the England national team shirt one day and sing the national anthem from the stands. Looking at ourselves in the mirror and feeling like we did everything we could to protect those who canât, for whatever reason or circumstance, protect themselves. 'Protect the vulnerable': Marcus Rashford's emotional letter to MPs I encourage you to hear the children’s pleas and find your humanity. The man you see stood in front of you today is a product of her love and care. Marcus Rashford sent a letter to the government calling for a U-turn on the end of free school meal vouchers, Rashford is pressuring the government to perform a U-turn on the decision to end free school meal vouchers, Understand: without the kindness and generosity of the community I had around me, there wouldnât be the, Rashford has been a welcome lighthouse in dark times, Rashford and Lingard reach out to boy bullied in viral video, Now is not the time for footballers to stick to football, Read Rashford's letter to the government in full, Booking.com discount code: 10% with Level 1 Genius membership, Use this Debenhams discount and save up to 70% on men's lines - Spring offer, Ideal World promo: up to 30% off garden essentials, AliExpress swimsuits & beachwear promo: save 30% and over, Up to 20% discount in this week's top offers at Argos. Iâve read tweets over the last couple of weeks where some have placed blame on parents for having children they âcanât affordâ. Marcus Rashford has vowed to continue representing "vulnerable children" after members of the UK parliament voted against providing free school meals to low-income families over the holidays. His team lost the game 2–1 to ‘Real Madrid.’ Five days later, ‘Manchester United’ defeated ‘West Ham’ in … To all MPs in parliament, On a week that would have opened Euro 2020, I wanted to reflect back to 27 May 2016, when I stood in … ‘What families are going through now, I’ve once had to go through that – and it’s very difficult to find a way out. During this pandemic, people are existing on a knife’s edge: one missed bill is having a spiral effect, the anxiety and stress of knowing that poverty is the main driver of children ending up in care, a system that is designed to fail low-income families. Instead, due to the selfless actions of my mum, my family, my neighbours, and my coaches, the only stats I’m associated with are goals, appearances and caps. That scheme will not run over the summer holiday, but Rashford says: ‘Political affiliations aside, can we not all agree that no child should be going to bed hungry?’. Sorry, this video isn't available any more. Whether the outcome changes or doesn’t change – that’s why I wrote it.’. Whilst the campaign is currently distributing 3 million meals a week to those most vulnerable across the UK, I recognize itâs just not enough. Political affiliations aside, can we not all agree that no child should be going to bed hungry? Please, while the eyes of the nation are on you, make the U-turn and make protecting the lives of some of our most vulnerable a top priority. Marcus Rashford had absolutely no control over how many children his mother had nor whether his father was around to support the children. Do you know how much courage it takes for a grown man to say “I can’t cope” or “I can’t support my family”? A shining example of what "taking back control" should be all about. This is not about politics; this is about humanity. In 2020, it shouldnât be a case of one or the other. This Summer should have been filled with pride once more, parents and children waving their flags, but in reality, Wembley Stadium could be filled more than twice with children who have had to skip meals during lockdown due to their families not being able to access food. But it was not enough. I watched the crowds waving their flags and fist-pumping the three lions on their shirts and I was overwhelmed with pride not only for myself, but for all of those who had helped me reach this moment and achieve my dream of playing for the England national team. If faced with unemployment, parents like mine would have been down at the job centre first thing Monday morning to find any work that enables them to support their families. This figure is expected to rise by an additional 1 million by 2022. Men, women, caregivers, are calling out for our help and we arenât listening. I also received a tweet from an MP who told me âthis is why there is a benefit systemâ. As a Black man from a low-income family in Wythenshawe, Manchester, I could have been just another statistic. Rashford … I also know from talking to people that there is a 2-child- per-family limit, meaning someone like my mum would only have been able to cover the cost of 2 of her 5 children. Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford are two born-and-bred Mancunians living their dream playing for Man United And this letter from Man United coaches perhaps shows why … The system was not built for families like mine to succeed, regardless of how hard my mum worked. The 22-year-old has … The man you see stood in front of you today is a product of her love and care. Itâs only now that I really understand the enormous sacrifice my mum made in sending me away to live in digs aged 11, a decision no mother would ever make lightly. The Government has taken a âwhatever it takesâ approach to the economy â Iâm asking you today to extend that same thinking to protecting all vulnerable children across England. Looking at ourselves in the mirror and feeling like we did everything we could to protect those who can’t, for whatever reason or circumstance, protect themselves. As their stomachs grumble, I wonder if those 200,000 children will ever be proud enough of their country to pull on the England national team shirt one day and sing the national anthem from the stands. Understand: without the kindness and generosity of the community I had around me, there wouldn’t be the Marcus Rashford you see today: a 22-year old black man lucky enough to make a career playing a game I love. That same finger could have been pointed at my mum, yet I grew up in a loving and caring environment. Today, there are no jobs. Marcus Rashford puts on a casual display as he steps out in a black face mask with his girlfriend Lucia Loi. This is not about politics; this is about humanity. Today, there are no jobs. Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has written an emotional letter to the UK government calling on them to reverse their decision not to … My story to get here is all-too-familiar for families in England: my mum worked full-time, earning minimum wage to make sure we always had a good evening meal on the table. Parents who work every hour of the day for minimum wage, most of them working in hospitality, a sector which has been locked down for months. This is a system failure and without education, weâre encouraging this cycle of hardship to continue. Marcus Rashford ‘blown away’ by grassroots pledges to feed kids. Marcus Rashford MBE. Marcus Rashford managed to raise 125% of his net worth over the past year (Picture: PA) Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford has become the youngest person … In April 2020, 2.1 million people claimed unemployment-related benefits. Ten years ago, I would have been one of those children, and you would never have heard my voice and seen my determination to become part of the solution. Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford has written to MPs imploring them to reverse their decision not to provide free school meal vouchers over the summer. ‘We should continue to offer the vouchers to eligible pupils over the upcoming holidays, particularly if summer schools are implemented to support children with catch-up learning and pastoral care.’. This is an increase of 850,000 just since March 2020. But it was not enough. Although to score three times in 16 minutes is, admittedly, special. THESE are the kind of parents we are talking about. I am asking you to listen to their parents’ stories as I have received thousands of insights from people struggling. I also received a tweet from an MP who told me: “This is why there is a benefit system.” Rest assured, I am fully aware of the Universal Credit scheme and I am fully aware that the majority of families applying are experiencing five-week delays . I’ve read tweets over the last couple of weeks where some have placed blame on parents for having children they “can’t afford”. MARCUS RASHFORD's campaign for an extension of free school meals has sparked a debate which is a "terrible indictment" of the UK, a Labour peer tells Express.co.uk… It’s very important for me to help people who are struggling. I would be doing myself, my family and my community an injustice if I didnât stand here today with my voice and my platform and ask you for help. As many of you know, as lockdown hit and schools were temporarily closed, I partnered with food distribution charity FareShare to help cover some of the free school meal deficit. • Perhaps the simplest explanation for Marcus Rashford’s masterclass is that football at the highest levels is the only true meritocracy in Britain today. MARCUS RASHFORD has revealed he has fulfilled his dream of playing for Manchester United after sharing an inspiring letter he wrote as an 11 … Food banks and soup kitchens were not alien to us; I recall very clearly our visits to Northern Moor to collect our Christmas dinners every year. Understand: without the kindness and generosity of the community I had around me, there wouldnât be the Marcus Rashford you see today: a 22-year old Black man lucky enough to make a career playing a game I love. Boris Johnson failed to reply to 'personal' letter sent by Marcus Rashford asking for help feeding hungry children. THESE are the kind of parents we are talking about. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Rest assured, I am fully aware of the Universal Credit scheme and I am fully aware that the majority of families applying are experiencing 5-week delays. Marcus Rashford's Letter. It is not unusual for a footballer to score a hattrick, even on a stage as grand as the Champions League. The government has taken a “whatever it takes” approach to the economy – I’m asking you today to extend that same thinking to protecting all vulnerable children across England. As we approach the end of the furlough scheme and a period of mass unemployment, the problem of child poverty is only going to get worse. Do you know how much courage it takes for a grown man to say, âI canât copeâ or âI canât support my familyâ? This summer should have been filled with pride once more, parents and children waving their flags, but in reality, Wembley stadium could be filled more than twice with children who have had to skip meals during lockdown due to their families not being able to access food (200,000 children according to Food Foundation estimates). What he has done is work hard to achieve what he has and and to help others. info@dnmaysportsmgt.com www.whsmith.co.uk/products/you-are-a-champion/marcus-rashford… In his open letter, PFA member Rashford draws on his own family’s experience of relying on free school meals, food banks and summer schools as he was growing up, saying “the system isn’t built for families like mine to succeed, regardless of how hard my mum worked.”. Universal Credit is simply not a short-term solution. In April 2020, 2.1 million people claimed unemployment-related benefits. He started playing football at the age of five for Fletcher Moss Rangers. The 22-year-old has been working with charity FareShare over lockdown, raising over £20m to provide meals for vulnerable children, and is calling on the Government to help out. In 2020, it shouldn’t be a case of one or the other. Read Marcus Rashford's letter in full Central to that is holding the government to account and forcing them to u-turn on the call to stop free school … Manchester United star and poverty campaigner Marcus Rashford MBE has said children ... Coronavirus vaccine NHS England said people aged 34 and 35 will be receiving a text message … Marcus Rashford grew up relying on free school meals. Read Manchester United striker’s passionate plea to the government in full, asking for them to reconsider their decision to end free school dinner vouchers. As many of you know, as lockdown hit and schools were temporarily closed, I partnered with food distribution charity FareShare to help cover some of the free school meal deficit. Marcus Rashford, a footballer for Manchester United, has shared an open letter to the government, asking for it to reverse its decision to stop free school meal vouchers. It’s only now that I really understand the enormous sacrifice my mum made in sending me away to live in digs aged 11, a decision no mother would ever make lightly. Marcus Rashford has shown a social conscience with his efforts to fight child poverty But on the field, he still has some growing to do. To put this pandemic into perspective, from 2018-2019, nine out of 30 children in any given classroom were living in poverty in the UK. Marcus Rashford Supported By Love Island’s Josh Denzel, Anthony Joshua & Dave After Sharing Open Letter To Fight For Free School Meals. That same finger could have been pointed at my mum, yet I grew up in a loving and caring environment. As a black man from a low-income family in Wythenshawe, Manchester, I could have been just another statistic. I watched the crowds waving their flags and fist-pumping the Three Lions on their shirts and I was overwhelmed with pride not only for myself but for all of those who had helped me reach this moment and achieve my dream of playing for the England national team. Published: 17:34 EDT, 27 September 2020 | … I have friends who are from middle-class backgrounds who have never experienced a small percentage of the love I have gotten from my mum: a single parent who would sacrifice everything she had for our happiness. Want an ad-free experience?Subscribe to Independent Premium. Marcus Rashford, the gifted Manchester United footballer, has received a Pride of Britain Award. Marcus Rashford's letter to MPs in full. Tammy Abraham sends message to Aston Villa fans after latest Chelsea snub, Sergio Aguero breaks Wayne Rooney’s Manchester United record on final Etihad performance, Paul Scholes names the two signings Man Utd must make this summer to catch Man City, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry warns Harry Kane amid Man Utd and Man City transfer speculation, Manchester United equal Arsenal Invincibles record by finishing Premier League season unbeaten away from home, Jadon Sancho tells friends he could join Manchester City over Manchester United, Jadon Sancho should be ‘patient’ and postpone Manchester United transfer, says Phil Neville. Halfron wrote: ‘The free school meals voucher scheme has offered a lifeline to many families in difficult financial circumstances that have been exacerbated by the impact of Covid-19. We rely on parents, many of whom have seen their jobs evaporate due to Covid-19, to play substitute teacher during lockdown, hoping that their children are going to be focused enough to learn, with only a small percentage of their nutritional needs met during this period. Please reconsider your decision to cancel the food voucher scheme over the summer holiday period and guarantee the extension. When Marcus Rashford heard this, he decided to take action. Please reconsider your decision to cancel the food voucher scheme over the Summer holiday period and guarantee the extension. Ten years ago, I would have been one of those children, and you would never have heard my voice and seen my determination to become part of the solution. This is an increase of 850,000 just since March 2020. media caption Marcus Rashford: "I'm grateful the prime minister changed his decision" About 1.3m children in England will be able to claim free school meal vouchers in … I have listened when fathers have told me they are struggling with depression, unable to sleep, worried sick about how they are going to support their families having lost their jobs unexpectedly, headteachers who are personally covering the cost of food packages for their vulnerable families after the school debit card has been maxed out; mothers who can’t cover the cost of increased electricity and food bills during the lockdown, and parents who are sacrificing their own meals for their children. As a family, we relied on breakfast clubs, free school meals, and the kind actions of neighbours and coaches. We rely on parents, many of whom have seen their jobs evaporate due to Covid-19, to play substitute teacher during lockdown, hoping that their children are going to be focused enough to learn, with only a small percentage of their nutritional needs met during this period. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. I encourage you to hear their pleas and find your humanity. I would be doing myself, my family and my community an injustice if I didn’t stand here today with my voice and my platform and ask you for help.
Prayers Of The Faithful For Students And Teachers, How To Make A Lighter Case For Bic, Lucky Luciano Movie 1994, Legit Foreign Dating Sites Reddit, Kasper Schmeichel Contract, War In The Pacific Quiz Connexus,
Recent Comments