AFTER England footballer Marcus Rashford reached out to Barrovians over social media following the defeat of the school meals bill, Mail readers have their say on his message.

Mr Rashford has been campaigning to have the scheme extended after his efforts earlier in the coronavirus crisis saw the government U-turn to provide free school meals to eligible children during the summer holidays.

Nerys Curtis said: “I don’t under why people are actually attacking him for wanting to put his money where his mouth is, and using such immaturity. This isn’t what grown ups do to solve problems.”

David Gawne said: “People getting angry at feeding kids during half term shows the type of society we’ve become. Blame parents all you want. Most are doing their very best and none of the kids have a choice on who their parents are.”

Gary Taylor said: “I think it’s really ironical the way people responded to this. If he had done the exact same thing and come out in favour of the elderly and infirm or mentally ill, the same singers in the same choir would sing why doesn’t he help the kids?”

Richard Myers: “Finally someone is actually at least try and do something about helping kids today. The Government are so focused on Covid they are leaving behind all their future voters. Some celebrities get very preachy but I actually agree with him on this one.”

Roaul Duke said: “I wonder if these negative comments about Marcus Rashford are because of what he’s doing for kids or because they support a team like the Berties or the wall pushing Scientologists of football.”

Sean Locke said: “There’s more to these bills being passed in Parliament. While we hear about the extension of meals for kids we aren’t hearing about the huge costs and tax increases that we may not be able to afford. It might have something to do with the country being in recession and in lockdown?”

Jessica Hughes said: “It’s shameful we aren’t extending school meals for our kids. What exactly do they expect them to do?”