THE National Education Union (NEU) delivered a 90,000-strong petition to Downing Street today, demanding free school meals for all primary school pupils across England.

The open letter, signed by more than 240 community organisations, faith groups, charities, unions and members of the public, was delivered by a delegation that included NEU joint general secretary Kevin Courtney and TUC assistant general secretary Kate Bell.

It came on the penultimate day of the union’s Free School Meals for All campaign’s national week of action.

The initiative is backed by nearly 90 MPs — including left-wing Labour member Zarah Sultana — as well as peers, councils and mayors nationwide.

The letter, addressed to Tory Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, said: “Child hunger is an epidemic in our schools.

“Last year, four million children experienced food insecurity.

“Free school meals for every child will put money back in parents’ pockets that can be used to pay for other essentials.”