The mayor of London speaks to the FT about the link between child nutrition and learning, his views of Donald Trump and devolution
In an interview for the FT Seasonal Appeal for Magic Breakfast and the FT's Financial Literacy and Inclusion Campaign charity , London mayor Sadiq Khan discusses the link between child nutrition and learning, his bid for more powers, and differences with Donald Trump. Presented by Miranda Green, FT deputy opinion editor. Find out more about the appeal at ft.com/donateRecognition is building that, to get a good education, children need to be eating properly.
But I also remember the embarrassment, the shame, the stigma. We'd have to queue up in the playground to receive our tickets. And then we'd eat separately from my mates because the free school meal kids were eating separately to the other kids, my friends. And so in some occasions, I'd go home for lunch because both of those things were not great.
Number two, it's improved children's health and well-being. Number three, parents are reporting, teachers are reporting children are calmer. They're better behaved. They can concentrate more. And they're being more productive. The fourth thing we were told, which was that the relationship between parents and schools has improved because schools aren't chasing parents for school dinner debt.
And I'd encourage anybody who's not seeing the benefits of Magic Breakfast or the benefits of what's happening in primary schools to go and see for themselves the difference it's making - children behaving better, children calmer, children concentrating more - and in London, primary schools and secondary schools as well.Having a meal together is a life skill. Just think about the conversations you've had, the friendships that have grown by having a meal with somebody.
I'm really excited about the Financial Times campaign in relation to financial inclusion and literacy. I saw when I was an MP doing constituency work the consequence of adults not understanding how to budget, about how interest rates work, what APR means, how to read a bank statement, often coming with carrier bags full of paperwork.
I say this in a respectful way. London's comparator isn't the west of Yorkshire or Manchester. It's New York, Singapore, Hong Kong. We are the only global city in Europe. We've got the powers that other cities have. New York gets to spend 50 per cent 5-0 per cent of monies raised in New York; Tokyo, 70 per cent. We get to spend 7 per cent. That's not right. And so we are speaking to the government in relation to what more powers and resources we can have.
And I'm also somebody who loves America. I've got family in America. I love American politics, American culture, American music and fashion, American businesses, who create jobs, wealth, and prosperity in London. And so I wish America well. But it's a fact we can't ignore that what happens in America affects us in London. It affects us across the country, across Europe, across the globe. We have a special relationship with the USA. And I hope that carries on forever.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan not prioritising clean air, campaigners fearClean air campaigners fear Sadiq Khan could see air pollution as less of a priority than he did.
Read more »
Sadiq Khan eyes up tourist tax for London hotels despite warnings levy would be 'extremely damaging'...London Mayor Sadiq Khan revealed he is 'happy to look into' the possibility of bringing in a small charge for visitors to the capital - although no figure has yet been suggested.
Read more »
Sadiq Khan eyes up tourist tax for London hotels despite warnings levy would be 'extremely damaging'...London Mayor Sadiq Khan revealed he is 'happy to look into' the possibility of bringing in a small charge for visitors to the capital - although no figure has yet been suggested.
Read more »
Sadiq Khan Unveils Plans for Rent-Controlled Homes for London's Key WorkersLondon Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced plans to build at least 6,000 rent-controlled homes by 2030 for key workers earning less than £67,000 annually. These homes aim to be genuinely affordable, with rents capped and wage-increase aligned.
Read more »
House price fall could boost London's economy, Sadiq Khan saysMayor of London says increasing access to affordable housing is vital to the city's economic growth
Read more »
London housing target could be missed without new fundingLondon Mayor Sadiq Khan says he needs more government help to hit an affordable housing target.
Read more »