Covid 19 has hit communities hard but none are so badly affected as those living in low income families, or, those who have recently lost their jobs as a result.

The latest government furlough scheme offer is lower than that used over the summer. Analysis by Labour has been independently validated. Over 900,000 children in the UK are at risk of hunger this winter. Of these over 17,000 live in Lincolnshire.

In an attempt to persuade the Conservative government to reconsider its package of help for these children both Labour opposition MPs and footballer Marcus Rashford called for the government to fund school meals over the holidays to help feed these children.

In a late night vote in Parliament the majority of Conservative MPs failed to heed the call for help. As a result the proposal lost by 61 votes.

Chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group Alison Garnham said: "We've reached a low point if in the midst of a pandemic we decide we can't make sure children in the lowest income families have a nutritious meal in the middle of the day."

It is utterly shameful that the 322 Conservative MPs voting against the proposals would see children go hungry this winter.

Contrary to Government claims, our benefit safety net is inadequate to protect people from the costs or challenges brought on by changes in circumstance. The increasing number of families forced to turn to Foodbank over the last few years, prior to Covid 19, is clear evidence of this. Covid 19 and Brexit bring a risk of even worse to come for the foreseeable future. Boris Johnson, rejecting earlier calls for help, said it wasn't the government's job to feed children. In Parliament, during the debate Conservative MPs argued parents should take full responsibility for their children, as if children are some sort of drain on our society. But children are our future. If our children are to stand a chance to contribute to society and reach their full potential they need food - now. And it's hypocritical to say children should be educated as a priority when so many will be suffering such hunger pangs they cannot concentrate. It is also hugely short-sighted financially. Malnutrition in childhood creates consequences later in life. Public Health and our NHS bill will become far higher than the cost of food at this crucial time. The recent vote follows a trend. Since the Conservative government has been in power a quarter of a million children year on year have fallen into poverty. The UK now has one of the worst rates of child malnutrition and 'food insecurity' among rich nations – with one in five UK children suffering food insecurity. The statements made by the Conservative Government this month, in the hour of most need, should be remembered by all. I do not believe the vast majority of people in our community would support this position. Many themselves on the brink of financial crisis. Whilst UK Parliament has turned its back on those in need the Scottish, Welsh and N Ireland Parliaments are doing what they can for their children. Recognition must go to the few more decent Conservative MPs who backed the call for help. They were Caroline Ansell (Eastbourne), Robert Halfon (Harlow), Jason McCartney (Colne Valley), Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) and Holly Mumby-Croft (Scunthorpe). Grantham and Stamford MP Gareth Davies was not among them. He shamefully voted to let the children in our constituency Grantham and Stamford go hungry. So did all other Conservative MPs in Lincolnshire. And who will be left to pick up the pieces here? Our schools, charities and volunteers, many of whom themselves are struggling to make ends meet. They will need all the help South Kesteven District Council and its residents can give.

• This is a supplied opinion piece from Coun Morgan. Nub News welcomes similar articles from our MPs and councillors.