Marcus Rashford challenges the government again

Marcus Rashford challenges the government again - and people are wondering if another U-turn is imminent

After England footballer Marcus Rashford secured a U-turn from the prime minister on free school meals last year, speculation is rising that another reversal from No 10 may be coming after the sportstar turned his attention to Universal Credit.

The Mirror reports that Rashford has called on Johnson to reverse his decision to scrap the £20 increase in Universal Credit payments next month – a rise which was introduced in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Instead of removing vital support, we should be focusing on developing a long-term roadmap out of this child hunger pandemic.

“On October 6, millions lose a lifeline. It’s a move that Child Poverty Action Group says will raise child poverty to one in three,” Rashford said.

It comes after Rashford launched a national campaign with The Food Foundation to end child food poverty earlier this month, in which he called on members of the public to write to their MPs on the issue.

The charity released new data which found that 15 per cent of households with children experienced food insecurity within the past six months, with the situation “set to worsen” as a result of the planned cut to Universal Credit.

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However, given Rashford’s previous success with government U-turns, some are hoping that the star could once again force the Conservatives to reconsider their policies:

Sky conveniently left People cover off of its paper review website. Govt is so fucked now, up against Rashford again pic.twitter.com/MPq6MifPXC
— Shane Woodhouse💙💙💙🏳️‍🌈No DMs (@ShaneWoodhouse3) September 25, 2021

Kind of tragic that Marcus Rashford has to beg Boris Johnson not to cut Universal Credit. Once again he's the voice of humanity and compassion. But this shouldn't be necessary.
— Daniela Nadj (@DanielaNadj) September 25, 2021

Marcus Rashford has demanded the Conservatives axe the £20 universal credit cut, the leader of the opposition. 👏
— The Left Wing Society (@LeftWingSociety) September 26, 2021

There were days when I didn’t have enough money for bus fare so I walked miles, so I know the value of £2 never mind £20
Those who don’t will not accept that the Universal Credit cut will cause real hardship
Now @MarcusRashford joins the campaign to stop the cut
I’m in - are you? pic.twitter.com/lhI9O4s841
— nazir afzal (@nazirafzal) September 25, 2021

Uh oh. The Government’s in trouble now... ⁦@MarcusRashford⁩ urges Boris Johnson to axe £20 universal credit cut. https://t.co/622lCai2fl
— Pippa Crerar (@PippaCrerar) September 25, 2021

This never ends well for @10DowningStreet !
Is there a sweep on when the u turn takes place? I'm going for 4 days
— Keith McIntosh (@Outoftheparkboy) September 26, 2021