Last modified on Fri 18 Dec 2020 05.38 EST
The Tory minister Jacob Rees-Mogg has come under fire for accusing Unicef of a “political stunt” after the UN agency stepped in to help feed deprived children in the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Commons leader hit out at Unicef, which is responsible for providing humanitarian aid to children worldwide, after it launched its first domestic emergency response in the UK in its more than 70-year history.
As part of its programme of support that is set to distribute more than £700,000 to help fund projects for children and their families, the agency has pledged £25,000 to supply nearly 25,000 breakfasts in a south London borough over the Christmas holidays and February half-term.
Jacob Rees-Mogg today launched a furious attack on Unicef as he accused the UN humanitarian agency of trying to score cheap political points after it backed a programme to help feed hungry children in the UK.
Unicef has provided £25,000 to help give 1,800 families struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic breakfast boxes over the Christmas holidays.
It is the first time in the charity s 70-year history that it has decided to step in and provide domestic support in the UK.
But the decision to intervene sparked anger from Mr Rees-Mogg who accused Unicef of playing politics as he claimed it should be ashamed of itself .
Jacob Rees-Mogg says Unicef should be ashamed as campaign to feed UK children launched thecourier.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thecourier.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.