CAMPAIGNERS placed empty plates outside the office of Sir David Amess in a symbolic protest after he voted against extending free school meals to children in the holidays.

Activists gathered outside the offices of the Southend West MP, in Leigh Road, Leigh, on Sunday morning as part of the All Rise Collective’s Empty Plate Protest.

It was in response to Tory MPs voting down a Labour motion - now synonomous with England strike Marcus Rashford - which would have guaranteed free school meals for eligible children outside of school terms. 

Armed with placards and dinner plates, which featured displeased messages, the protesters called on Downing Street to reconsider its stance.

Echo: Protest - dozens of campaigners outside Sir Davis Amess' officeProtest - dozens of campaigners outside Sir Davis Amess' office

A spokesman for organisers - All Rise Collective - said: “With 29 per cent of Southend’s children living in poverty pre-Covid, we can only imagine that these figures have increased.

“The Free School Meals scheme is essential to ensure our children are fed regardless of their families’ financial position.

“In one of the richest countries in the world, no child should be left to go hungry.

Echo: Empty plates - the items were left at the front of the Leigh officeEmpty plates - the items were left at the front of the Leigh office

“[We are] Appalled by local MP’s decision to vote against extending the free school meals provisions over the school holidays.”

over 150 Southend residents joined together at local MP, David Amess’ office in a peaceful protest, bringing along plates on which messages had been written, and laid at the door of Amess’ constituency office.”

Echo: Messages - campaigners didn't hold back in their criticismMessages - campaigners didn't hold back in their criticism

All pictures: Gaz de Vere