More than 2,000 children’s doctors have demanded that Boris Johnson extend free school meals to vulnerable children during the school holidays. 

The paediatricians have signed a letter arguing that childhood hunger should ‘transcend politics’, as pressure grows on the Government to U-turn over its decision not to back England footballer Marcus Rashford’s campaign.

Members of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) said they are shocked by the Government’s ‘refusal’ to do so, and praised Mr Rashford over his plans to end child poverty. 

Businesses across England have pledged to offer free food to children from low income backgrounds in the days since MPs rejected a bid from Labour, backed by the Manchester United star, to extend free school meals over the holidays until Easter. There has been a growing public backlash to the vote, but Mr Rashford has won more praise for highlighting where children from poorer backgrounds can find organisations offering to provide food. 

The striker has said he is ‘so thankful and so very proud’ for the ‘compassion and empathy’ shown by those who have stepped up to help so far.

The open letter from the RCPCH members says: ‘Childhood hunger is an issue that should transcend politics.

‘Few would disagree that one of our most basic human responsibilities is to ensure children have enough to eat.’

It continues: ‘We call on the UK Government to match the pledges of the Welsh and Scottish Governments and the Northern Ireland Executive, to continue to provide children from low-income backgrounds with free meals over the coming weeks and to then extend this at least until the Easter school holiday, as they have done in Wales and Scotland.’

Labour has now warned it will bring the issue back to Parliament if ministers do not change course in time for Christmas.

Shadow education secretary Kate Green called on the Prime Minister to meet with Mr Rashford’s taskforce ‘as a matter of urgency’ to discuss its proposals for ending child poverty.

Mr Johnson’s own party colleague Robert Halfon said meeting with Mr Rashford was a ‘no-brainer’, while fellow Tory MP Tobias Ellwood said extending provision over the holidays is a ‘simple and practical vehicle’ to support families and called on the Government to ‘re-visit’ the option.

RCPCH President Professor Russell Viner said: ‘I’ve rarely seen such anger among our members. We see far too many (hungry children). 

‘There is an opportunity to put this right. It is pointless to talk about levelling up the country, an ambition which we support, while refusing to offer temporary relief to children and families.’

It comes as a petition from Mr Rashford, 22, continued to grow rapidly, reaching 800,000 signatures on Sunday morning.

RCPCH Officer for Health Improvement Dr Max Davie added: ‘We’re a rich country. This isn’t about money, it’s about making sure people have food to eat, and it’s about doing the right thing for children who need a hand up.

‘We shouldn’t have to fight for food vouchers when we’re in the middle of a pandemic.’

Mr Rashford urged people to ‘rise above’ disappointment, describing abuse of MPs and their families as ‘unacceptable’ and ‘unnecessary’.

Downing Street has declined to praise such outlets for stepping in, with a Number 10 spokesman, saying: ‘I believe the PM said during PMQs that free school meals will continue during term time and that he wants to continue to support families throughout the crisis so they have cash available to feed kids if they need to.’

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