Full council to have final say on stunned halal meat in Lancashire schools

A final decision on whether to provide only stunned halal meat to schools will now be taken at a meeting of Lancashire County Council's Full Council.
County Hall in Preston.County Hall in Preston.
County Hall in Preston.

The move means schools who currently opt to be supplied with unstunned halal meat will continue to be supplied as the new term begins in September.

The county council’s cabinet made a decision in July to provide only stunned halal meat, except poultry, to schools. But following consideration it has been decided a final decision on the matter should be put to a vote at the meeting on October 18 so all members can consider it.

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The decision to debate the issue at Full Council also follows communication with the Lancashire Council of Mosques.

It will now be up to Full Council to define the council’s policy on the terms of any new contract to be tendered.

County Coun Geoff Driver, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “Following recent communication with the Lancashire Council of Mosques we have given further consideration to the strength of feeling on both sides of the debate, and I have asked that council now be asked to take the decision.

We have given further consideration to the strength of feeling on both sides of the debate, and I have asked that council now be asked to take the decision.”

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We supply halal meat to a small number of schools where it is served in dishes as one of a number of options able to be chosen by students whose parents have specifically requested it.

“The contract becoming due for renewal gave us the opportunity to consider the animal welfare issues surrounding the supply of unstunned halal meat, and we held a public consultation so that cabinet could consider all the impacts before making their decision.

“Cabinet appropriately considered the report and reached a decision under the council’s procedures, however following recent communication with the Lancashire Council of Mosques we have given further consideration to the strength of feeling on both sides of the debate, and I have asked that council now be asked to take the decision.”