England (Commonwealth Union) – Zayn Malik has added his voice to a growing number of celebrities who are calling for free meals for the Britain’s most vulnerable. Zayn urged the new British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to consider free meals to children from the most vulnerable families.
Growing inflation and high energy costs have been a concern for some time with low-income families who may have to choose between heating and eating. Other celebrities such as Jamie Oliver, Tom Kerridge, Hugh and Dame Emma Thompson have previously urged the government to tackle child poverty during the time Boris Johnson was Prime Minister.
Zayn Malik’s letter addressing Rishi Sunak stated that children were suffering from concentration issues, some even had to steal food from school canteens due to hunger and being unable to afford lunch. “They are also feeling shame, which is directly impacting their physical and mental health. I know what that shame feels like, I have seen it first-hand, as growing up in Bradford I relied on free school meals. I personally experienced the stigma surrounding food insecurity,” said Zayn who attended Lower Fields Primary School, prior to transferring to Tong High School, which is now called Tong Leadership Academy.
The singer further stated that his hope was that in writing the letter we can all ensure that no child ever will have to experience this hunger and stigma again stating that his experience was not unique, and a hardship that many children in the country are sadly going through at the present. The former One Direction star also stated in his letter to Sunak that as Prime Minister he had the power to implement the change and urged him to make a commitment in his budget set for the 17th of this month.
The budget is set to include spending cuts and raised taxes. Hence, making Zayn’s open letter the right timing for this significant issue.
