Moray MP Douglas Ross abstained on school meals vote due to being in Scotland and vote only affecting England
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MORAY'S MP Douglas Ross has said he abstained on Wednesday's free school meals vote at Westminster due to "long-standing commitments in Scotland" and because the vote only affects England.
On Wednesday night, MPs voted to reject a Labour motion to extend the free meals scheme in England over Christmas and Easter by 322 to 261. A total of 321 Tory MPs voted against the amendment, including all of Scotland's bar Mr Ross – who abstained.
Five Tories voted for the amendment, with 46 of 47 SNP MPs voting for the amendment with one abstention.
Explaining why he abstained, Conservative leader Douglas Ross said he was in Scotland on Wednesday and therefore could not vote. A proxy vote is only available for coronavirus-related reasons.
Mr Ross also outlined plans he has to implement free schools breakfasts and lunches in Scotland.
He said: "I wasn't in Westminster on Wednesday as I had long-standing commitments in Scotland to fulfil so did not vote on this. But this was a vote that applied to England only.
"As leader of the Scottish Conservatives I have put forward proposals for Scotland that would see all primary school pupils have the chance to take up free school lunch and a breakfast at the start of the day.
"I think that's the right thing to do for children here in Moray, and across the country.
"I hope that political parties across Scotland can get behind this policy and deliver for our young people."
The Scottish Government recently pledged to give £10 million to local authorities to continue to provide free school meals until Easter.
MORE: Free school meals in Scotland extended over Christmas and Easter .
Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said: "The Tories at Westminster had an opportunity to support thousands of families worrying about how they will put food on the table in the weeks ahead, but they refused to do so.
"It’s clear that Westminster has a lot to learn from the SNP’s approach to tackling food insecurity and building a social security system based on fairness, dignity and respect."
