05 August 2023 , 20:54
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England footballer Callum Wilson is spot on when he says having enough to eat is a basic human right. Yet new figures from the Trussell Trust show a quarter of young people aged 11 to 17 know someone of their age regularly skipping meals.
Food campaigner Jamie Oliver says that is a disgrace. So does Callum, whose own family used food banks when he was growing up. Such desperation is only set to get worse with food inflation pushing prices up by more than 17% in the last 12 months alone.
The Tories promised to end child poverty by 2020. But 800,000 children from struggling homes are still missing out on school meals. Jamie Oliver knows what must be done to remedy this. Free school meals should go to all who need them, and continue to be provided during school holidays. There are many calls on the public purse. But ending the scandal of hungry children should be the one given priority.
Callum Wilson helps at a food bank
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Getty Images)Sick lad saved by mum’s love
William Verden is a living testament to never giving up hope. Medics said end-of-life care was in the teenager’s best interests when he was dying from kidney disease. His autism and learning disabilities were among the reasons given for not letting him have a transplant.
But mum Ami was determined to prove them wrong – and mounted a successful legal challenge to get William on the waiting list for a new kidney. A judge ruled that was his least worst option. The months following the op were not easy, and William spent months in intensive care battling life-threatening complications.
Nursery apologises after child with Down's syndrome ‘treated less favourably’
But one year on, he has celebrated his milestone 18th birthday and is now studying at college. That’s all down to the inspirational strength of a mother’s love.
Willian Verden and his mother Amy McLennan (PA)Set a date for a rosy tomorrow
Given the state of Britain today, it’s no wonder we’d like to live in the past. And a recent dating site survey shows Ancient Rome, with its wine and culture, would be a favourite for one in seven.
A further 12% fancy living in Medieval Britain. No Covid, no Tories, no threat of nuclear oblivion – just murderous plagues, feudal slavery and a 100-year war. So perhaps it might be best to set the time machine for 2023 after all. There have been worse times… and it’s time now to hope for a better future.