Ed Balls today announced £1.6 million in new funding for free school meals for all primary school children in Islington.

The Children’s Secretary met with pupils at Thornhill Primary School in Barnsbury to announced that Islington has been included in the next round of the Government pilot scheme of free school meals for all primary school children.

He was joined by Catherine West and Emily Thornberry MP, as well as Richard Watts and James Murray.

The award is a boost for Islington Labour's policy of free school meals for all children at primary school, which was secured following the 2009 budget vote, which was won by the opposition Labour Party.

However, the Lib Dem party is pledged to scrap the initiative if they win the election.

Councillor Catherine West said:

"This support from the Labour Government is a sign of just how much of a success free school meals for all for our children has been. But despite that success, and with the local elections just five weeks away, the Liberal Democrats are threatening to take away free school meals.

"That is why I am asking people to stand up for free school meals by signing our petition."

You can sign the petition by clicking here.