Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Marcus Rashford has collected his MBE in a ceremony at Windsor Castle, in recognition of his successful campaign to secure free meals for vulnerable children during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Manchester United and England football star was given his honour by Prince William at an investiture on Tuesday, in the first such event to take place in person since the pandemic began.
The prince said he was “pleased to be back doing investitures in person, celebrating people across the UK who have gone above and beyond for their country and community”.
The 24-year-old footballer forced the government into a U-turn last year after ministers had planned not to offer the £15-a-week vouchers given to children on free school meals over the summer holidays.
As pressure mounted and the government feared being engulfed in another crisis, Downing Street was forced into a volte-face and launched a new £120m fund for 1.3 million pupils in England.
The prime minister, Boris Johnson, called Mr Rashford personally “to thank him for what he’s done”.
Later, in October, the footballer was awarded an MBE. In response, Mr Rashford said he was “incredibly honoured and humbled”.
“As a young black man from Wythenshawe, never did I think I would be accepting an MBE, never mind an MBE at the age of 22. This is a very special moment for myself and my family, but particularly my mum who is the real deserving recipient of the honour.”
His mother, Melanie Rashford, was present at Windsor Castle when he was awarded his MBE by the prince.
Since being given the honour last year, the England forward has maintained his campaign for social change by forming a child food-poverty taskforce, which has linked up with some of the UK’s biggest supermarkets and food brands.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments