Angela Rayner speaks about Sadiq Khan London mayoral campaign manifesto

Sadiq Khan has pledged to continue free school meals for all primary school children for the next four years if re-elected.

The Labour incumbent, who is bidding for a third term as mayor of London, launched his manifesto for a “fairer, safer, greener London” at an event in southeast London on Thursday.

He has been backed by deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner, who has been the subject of Tory attacks in recent weeks over her tax affairs, which are the subject of a police investigation.

Along with his free school meals policy, Mr Khan has also pledged to roll out baby banks in London, where families can get free essential items including nappies, toiletries and bedding.

In his speech, Sadiq outlined his commitment to improving the lives of the next generation of Londoners. He said his politics is “about giving the next generation a chance” and ensuring all Londoners can reach their potential.

Other policy pledges in his manifesto include building 40,000 council homes by the end of the decade, ending rough sleeping by 2030 and providing more support for renters.

Mr Khan has promised an extra 1,300 neighbourhood police officers, PCSOs and specials on the streets and to freeze Transport for London (TfL) fares till at least 2025.

Mr Khan said: "Londoners now face a clear choice in a two-horse race. We can make universal free school meals permanent, build 40 thousand new council homes, clean London’s air and give young people the opportunities they need to fulfil their potential. 

“We can also put an extra 1,300 police officers on our streets, end rough sleeping for good, redouble efforts to reduce violence against women and girls and ensure London maintains its status as a beacon of climate and environmental action the world over. And working with a Labour Government, there truly is no limit to what we can achieve.”

Join our new WhatsApp Community to get the latest news from across London directly to your phone

Labour’s deputy leader, Angela Rayner, said: “Sadiq Khan’s promise to Londoners today builds on what he has already achieved for the city, stepping in to help Londoners through the cost-of-living crisis by bringing down travel costs with another annual TfL fares freeze, and addressing the housing crisis by with more new council homes than at any time since the 1970s.

 “Young Londoners can trust Sadiq to keep delivering on his plan to provide them with a strong foundation so they can thrive no matter where they come from.

“By voting Labour on May 2, Londoners will get a Labour Mayor who is on their side and will break the link between where you come from, determining where you end up.”

A spokesperson for Conservative candidate Susan Hall said: "The only way Sadiq Khan can afford these uncosted pledges is by slashing police funding and bringing in pay-per-mile. Susan is listening to Londoners, which is why she will make our city safer and scrap Sadiq Khan's ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) expansion and pay-per-mile plans on day one." Green mayoral candidate Zoë Garbett said: “There are still thousands of secondary school children going hungry across the city and I believe City Hall can comfortably afford to provide free school meals to them as well.”

Liberal Democrat candidate Rob Blackie said: "The Lib Dems introduced free school meals for five to seven year olds, so I can commit to keeping free school meals for all primary school children if I am elected." On May 2 Londoners will go to the polls to vote for which of 13 candidates will be mayor of London for the next four years.