Opposition Day MotionA debate on a topic chosen by the opposition parties, not the government. These votes are not binding.
Opposition Motion: Free School Meals
Wednesday, 21 October 2020
What was this vote about?
This was an opposition day motion — a debate topic chosen by an opposition party. These motions are not binding on the government, but they signal political positions and can put pressure on ministers.
The result
Motion rejected
Margin: 61
261
322
Aye (45%)No (55%)
583 of 650 eligible MPs voted (90% turnout)
How each party voted
Labour (Co-op)
Voted for
142 aye0 no5 absent
Liberal Democrat
Voted for
9 aye0 no2 absent
Scottish National Party
Voted for
6 aye0 no
Independent
Voted for
4 aye0 no
Social Democratic & Labour Party
Voted for
2 aye0 no
Plaid Cymru
Voted for
2 aye0 no
Who rebelled?
No MPs voted against their party on this division.
Turnout by party
90%
Social Democratic & Labour Party
2/2 (100%)
Scottish National Party
6/6 (100%)
Reform UK
5/5 (100%)
Plaid Cymru
2/2 (100%)
Independent
4/4 (100%)
Your Party
1/1 (100%)
Labour (Co-op)
142/147 (97%)
Conservative
79/90 (88%)
What happens next?
Opposition day motions are non-binding. Even if passed, the government is not legally required to act on them — but a defeat is politically significant.
