TORY MSP Jamie Greene admitted criticism of Douglas Ross’s stance on free school meals is a “good point” during an interview this morning.
The MSP for the West Scotland region was questioned over the Scottish Tory leader’s claim he supports Marcus Rashford’s school meals campaign despite refusing to vote for it in the Commons last week.
Ross’s five Scottish Tory MPs voted with the UK Government against the call to provide free school meals over the upcoming holidays.
Good Morning Scotland presenter Gary Robertson told Greene: “Douglas Ross, the Scottish Conservative leader, says Marcus Rashford’s campaign is ‘nothing short of extraordinary’.”
READ MORE: 'An utter disgrace': Douglas Ross pelted over free school meal claim
Pointing out the Scottish Tories’ failure to back the campaign at Westminster, the presenter added: “Douglas Ross seems to be a little bit hypocritical on this doesn’t he?”
Greene asked “in what way” was Ross hypocritical before explaining the Scottish Tory leader felt the matter only affected English councils.
Robertson went on: “Well he’s saying that now, what he said at the time was just because he wasn’t actually at Westminster at the time. But why then, if it’s a matter that only affected English councils, did he not instruct his fellow MPs at Westminster to –“
Before he could finish the question, Greene replied: “Yeah it’s a good point. And I think from what I read in a newspaper yesterday that won’t be happening again.”
READ MORE: 'Unbelievable': Scottish Tories vow to skip second vote on free school meals
The MSP explained the official Scottish Tory policy is to back universal free school meals at breakfast and lunch across Scotland.
Ross and his MPs are now set to skip the second vote on free school meals for hungry children.
A spokesperson for the party said: “The Scottish Conservatives support the campaign by Marcus Rashford, which has been hugely inspirational.
“The UK Government must take it into serious consideration and listen to the wide range of voices in support of this policy ahead of any future vote.
“In future, our MPs will not take part in votes that relate to England only.”
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