CHILD poverty campaigners staged a protest outside a Romsey MP's office after she voted against providing free school meals for children over the school holidays.

As reported, Conservative Caroline Nokes rejected Labour’s motion on October 22, which called for the scheme to be extended over the school holidays until Easter 2021 and was defeated by 261 votes to 322 – a majority of 61 for the Government.

Demonstrators of all ages came armed with paper and ceramic plates on Sunday saying "End holiday hunger", "Ever read Oliver Twist Caroline?" and "Feed the children".

One of the protesters, Heather Butler, said the creations were delivered to the MP for Romsey and Southampton North's office in the Market Place to serve as a reminder "children have gone hungry this half term".

READ: Romsey MP rejects Marcus Rashford's free school meals campaign >>>

Hampshire Chronicle: Berenice Toucan and Paul Charisse posting plates to Caroline NokesBerenice Toucan and Paul Charisse posting plates to Caroline Nokes

Heather, who lives in The Abbey, said: "We had about 50 plates between eight of us and we intended to place them in front of the Conservative Club, but it was so windy they were being blown around, so that is why we decided to post ten of them through the letterbox and put the ceramic ones on the doorstep.

"When the Conservative MPs voted against the free school meals campaign it seemed so cruel and it really struck a chord with us, since some people who protested have children at Romsey primary schools.

"Caroline Nokes did not side with the five Conservatives who voted to extend free school meals and we were disappointed because she is chair of Parliament's Women and Equalities Committee, and it seemed like something she should be supporting.

"Child hunger is not something that will stop now, it will continue into the Christmas holidays and we feel this is something the Government could rethink."

READ: Romsey foodbank manager criticises Government after MPs reject free school meals motion >>> 

Hampshire Chronicle: Some of the plates that were delivered to Caroline Nokes' office in RomseySome of the plates that were delivered to Caroline Nokes' office in Romsey

The 57-year-old artist added it was "wonderful to see how local businesses stepped forward to help [children] this half term", but added this is an issue the Government "has got to address" going forward.

As reported, last week a takeaway in Swaythling barred Ms Nokes from entering its premises and using their service in a bid to show their discontent over the Government’s refusal to extend free school meals.

READ: Takeaway bars MP Caroline Nokes over free meals row >>>

Responding to Masala Madness' action, the MP stood by her vote.

She said: "I am sorry that anyone feels my view, as explained to every constituent who has contacted me, that there should be a permanent uplift in benefits rather than families being given a voucher, is anything other than a pragmatic solution to the issue.

"Anyone who dealt with the vouchers over the summer knows they were a bureaucratic way to address the situation - this could and should have been tackled via the benefits system.

"The Labour motion had no legislative intent and would not have delivered a single meal to a single family in time for half term which started 48 hours later.

"However, we have seen great work locally, including by borough council funding programmes like the community kitchen in Romsey School, which has provided food and help with cooking skills to families in need this half term. Timely and practical assistance is far more effective than empty words."

Hampshire Chronicle: MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline NokesMP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes

Ms Nokes has been approached for comment.