On Wednesday 21st October, the House of Commons voted against a Labour call to make free meals available across England - for those normally eligible for them in term time - during holidays for the next six months.

Food and alcohol available in the Palace of Westminster is currently subsidised to the tune of £57,000 per week. In the House of Commons, the public purse provides £1.7 million to fund MPs, their staff and guests in bars, canteens and restaurants.The Terrace Cafeteria receives a £646,000 subsidy, while the Peers’ Dining Room in the House of Lords is propped up by some £779,257.

With a pint of premium lager costing just £3.60 and bitter £2.60 it is easily the cheapest place to drink in central London. A three course meal of soup, steak and cheese comes in at just over £15 in the Members’ Dining Room.

It is only right in this crisis that Parliamentarians share the burden with the rest of us. If children cannot receive free meals during school holidays, the least that Parliament can do is pay the normal going rate for food and drink.

The total subsidy of nearly £3 million can consequently be diverted to helping feed hungry children.

We are, after all, in this together. Stop The Subsidy.