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Boris Johnson has claimed footballer Marcus Rashford’s campaign to give disadvantaged children free school meals over the summer only came to his attention “very recently”. 

The government was forced into a major U-turn over the policy on Tuesday after the Manchester United striker wrote to Number 10 and gave a high-profile and heartfelt interview to broadcasters. 

Hours later, Johnson said he “only became aware” of the campaign to help children facing poverty this summer “today” and that he had spoken to the 22-year-old to thank him for highlighting the issue. 

The about-turn by ministers follows sustained pressure not only by Rashford but by a number of charities and children’s commissioner for England Anne Longfield. 

Reporters also pressed the prime minister’s official spokesperson about Rashford’s letter on Monday and were told that Johnson planned to reply. 

But the PM told the press conference, which is watched by millions of people: “I talked to Marcus Rashford today to congratulate him on his campaigning, which to be honest I only became aware of very recently – today.

“I thank him for what he has done. I think he is right to draw attention to this issue, and basically we’ve got large numbers of kids who haven’t been able to get back into school.” 

Rashford, who was on free school meals himself as a child, wrote an open letter to MPs declaring that the government’s “whatever it takes” message on coronavirus should be extended to cover the 1.3m children on free school meals over summer.

It was not until Tuesday that Johnson extended the £15-a-week free school meals voucher scheme, however, with the PM’s official spokesperson saying:  “Owing to the coronavirus pandemic the prime minister fully understands that children and parents face an entirely unprecedented situation over the summer.

“To reflect this we will be providing a Covid Summer Food Fund. This will provide food vouchers covering the six-week holiday period. This is a specific measure to reflect the unique circumstances of the pandemic.

“The scheme will not continue beyond the summer and those eligible will be those who already qualify for free school meals.”

Reacting to the news, Rashford wrote on Twitter: “I don’t even know what to say. Just look at what we can do when we come together, this is England in 2020.”

The striker followed that up by saying: “To all MPs. This was never about me or you, this was never about politics, this was a cry out for help from vulnerable parents all over the country and I simply provided a platform for their voices to be heard.

“I stand proud today knowing that we have listened, and we have done what is right. There is still a long way to go but I am thankful to you all that we have given these families just one less thing to worry about tonight.

“The wellbeing of our children should always be a priority.”