DOUGLAS Ross has pledged his support to Marcus Rashford’s school meals campaign – despite refusing to vote for the proposals at Westminster.
The Scottish Tory leader described the Manchester United player's campaign as "nothing short of extraordinary" and insisted his party backed the scheme for youngsters in England.
Yet several of his MPs voting against a Labour motion in the Commons last week which would have seen the footballer’s plan enacted. Some 320 Tory MPs voted not to give £15-a-week food vouchers to impoverished children during school holidays.
Ross himself failed to vote, justifying his decision by saying it would only affect England despite the potential knock-on effects for Holyrood via Barnett consequentials.
Labour have pushed for a second vote on the issue, but the Scottish Tories have since announced that they would no longer vote on “English-only” issues.
READ MORE: Douglas Ross under fire as Tories vow to skip second vote on free school meals
In an article for today’s Telegraph, Ross wrote: "It's been reported that some of our other MPs did take part [in last week’s vote]. That will no longer be the practice going forward. In future, our MPs will not take part in votes that relate to England only.”
The party’s announcement yesterday was met with incredulity by SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford.
He tweeted: “The Scottish Tories’ latest excuse is to falsely claim its an England-only issue. But the fact is Tory cuts to #FreeSchoolMeals funding will deprive children of food and take £millions from Scotland’s budget.
“These excuses won’t fool anyone. This is about doing the right thing.”
READ MORE: Douglas Ross's excuses on free school meals vote 'all over the shop', SNP say
Earlier this month, Scotland's Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville announced more than £10 million for the extension of free school meals during the Christmas, February and Easter breaks, as well as reimbursements to local authorities which offer support during the October holiday.
In September, Ross announced that his party would push for free breakfasts and lunches in every Scottish primary school.
The Scottish Tory leader will now push for a vote in Holyrood on implementing his policy, the leader said, adding: "I'm going to keep cheering on Marcus Rashford's campaign in England.
"But in Scotland, we're going to go much further and force the SNP to act on his example – by deeds, not just words."
The SNP have been approached for comment on Ross’s latest comments.
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