Words by Jeffrey Arthur
On the pitch, he’s one of England’s brightest stars. Off it, he’s becoming one of the nation’s most inspiring leaders.
At the moment, Marcus Rashford can do no wrong. Earlier this year, we detailed why, for so many young people in the grip of social inequality, he’s the best kind of baller.
By skipping the political battles, gaining widespread support and being his own authentic and articulate self, Rashford forced the British Government to concede defeat: Boris Johnson agreed to extend free schools meals to children who needed them during the summer holidays.
Rashford 1 – 0 Downing Street.
In the months that followed, the Manchester United forward became the most popular man in Britain. Non-sporting fans now knew everything about him and rival fans – somewhat reluctantly – began to confess their admiration and respect for the 22-year old. In a divided country, more people were beginning to find common ground in Marcus Rashford.
After his victory – where he ran rings around Her Majesty’s Government – Boris Johnson and senior ministers were forced to confess their gratitude with their tails firmly between their legs; Rashford was awarded an MBE.
And with that, the government might have breathed a sigh of relief. They may have suffered a huge embarrassment at his hands, but with an MBE to his name, Rashford would surely leave them alone and return to his day job of humiliating defenders, not government ministers.
They’d have been wrong. He’s back, and this time, he has the support of most around the country, the backing of thousands of businesses and a non-negotiable demand: the extension of free school meals to poor families in England during half-term.
And Rashford isn’t like the government’s usual political rivals. He hasn’t spent his life in Westminster nor does he have any ambitions for political office, meaning the government can’t dismiss his claims as a means of seeking fame, political opportunism or power.
He plays for Manchester United, one of the world’s most powerful global brands. Number 10 Downing Street might be a legendary symbol of power, but its jerseys don’t sell out across the world –Rashford’s do. In other words, he’s doing pretty well for himself.
In his mission to end child poverty, there’s no element of personal gain – making him an effective campaigner and Downing Street’s biggest nightmare.
“This is not going away anytime soon and neither am I”
His request for the extension of free school meals was rejected by the government, arousing fury and widespread criticism from people across the country. Rashford’s power is limited to influence – after all, he’s not an MP. So, in support, the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer forced a vote in parliament; the government’s majority returned the same answer as the Prime Minister.
It was seen as a cruel and heartless move. In the midst of a pandemic, leaving children to go hungry is the last thing any government should deem acceptable – yet alone the government of one of the wealthiest nations on earth. Downing Street’s response? Money was already being given to local councils to support families.
It did little to help. In fact, it made things much worse for Boris and co.
If the government’s response was inadequate, those of some MPs were horrifically bad. Ben Bradley, the Conservative MP, came under fire for suggesting free school meal vouchers were used by parents to purchase drugs. He claims his comments were taken out of context, but after being given the chance to clarify, it’s unclear exactly what the context was.
And given that the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, had provided funds for schemes such as ‘Eat Out to Help Out’, Downing Street’s tightening of the economic wallet made little sense. After all, these were children who needed help.
As is usual for all political disagreements, passionate differences became heated arguments – and sometimes, bitter threats and insults. MPs who voted against extending free school meals became the subject of intense criticism, harmful threats, and attacks.
Rashford’s response? He reminded everyone that “we are bigger than that.” In a statement, he acknowledged the disappointment of the government’s rejection and reminded people to look at the positive results collective efforts can produce.
If you didn’t know any better about current affairs, you would have guessed those to be the words of a Barack or Michelle Obama, not a 22-year-old footballer from Wythenshawe.
They weren’t just words, either. In between training sessions and electric performances at the Theatre of Dreams, Rashford found the time to volunteer at a local food bank with someone who understands why this is all so important to him: his mother. As a child, Rashford had benefited from free school meals; as an adult, he’s making sure other children have the same chance.
By practising what he preached, he kickstarted a movement far more inspiring than any footballing award or trophy. In support of his leadership, thousands of business – from fish and chip shops to restaurants and cafes – offered free food to eligible children during half-term.
“Selflessness, kindness, togetherness, this is the England I know.”
Perhaps even Marcus Rashford himself couldn’t have predicted the outcome of his campaign. His rejected proposal led to something arguably more inspiring: ordinary people, in the middle of economic hardship and a global pandemic, coming together to make a positive impact.
His petition to end child poverty has been signed by over one million people.
There’s a term for having the ability to bring people of all ages, political opinions and differences together: leadership. At 22, Marcus Rashford has it in abundance.
In his speech, he is effective and articulate. In his conduct, he demonstrates a humility most would admire. And at his young age, with the level of fame and wealth to his name, he doesn’t exhibit the cockiness of youth displayed by so many others.
Despite all the plaudits, awards, titles and admiration that has come his way in recent weeks, it is undoubtedly stories like that of Beth Fretwell and her two young children that’ll bring the biggest smile to his face.
As the recipient of a free meal from a local business, courtesy of Rashford’s campaign, Fretwell said: “Having to buy beds, a cooker and fridge freezer left me with nothing… I saw on Tuesday Marcus had tweeted that Chesterfield Football Club’s Community Trust was giving out free lunches. I rang and the club told me food was waiting for us. I was overwhelmed by kindness. The boys loved their lunch. We ate it on the bare floor. I can’t afford a carpet yet, but felt so grateful I tweeted a photo and my thanks.”
Some might scoff at the idea of Marcus Rashford leading the country – but if he continues as he is, more people will begin to turn away from the famous black door at Downing Street and begin to look more towards the number 10 at Old Trafford.