Former One Direction star Zayn Malik has recalled his childhood in Bradford as he speaks on the cost of living crisis.  

The singer has called on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to “give all children living in poverty” a free school meal by extending the threshold.

Estimates suggest 800,000 children in England are living in poverty but do not currently qualify, according to the Food Foundation.

The 29-year-old recently became an ambassador for the Food Foundation and is backing its Feed The Future campaign.

Speaking ahead of Mr Sunak’s November budget, the singer shared his own experiences of free school dinners whilst growing up in his home city.

In a letter, he writes: “These children are suffering from lack of concentration, some even resorting to stealing food from school canteens because they are so hungry but can’t afford to buy lunch.

“They are also feeling shame which is directly impacting their physical and mental health. I know what that shame feels like, I have seen it first-hand, as growing up in Bradford, I relied on free school meals. I personally experienced the stigma surrounding food insecurity.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Zayn Malik's letter to Rishi Sunak in fullZayn Malik's letter to Rishi Sunak in full (Image: PA)

“My hope is that in writing this letter we can all ensure that no child ever has to experience this hunger and stigma again as my experience is not unique; it is a struggle that many children in England are sadly going through right now.”

As part of the campaign, the singer is also urging people to write to their MPs on the issue.

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