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Creative Commons and Dave Thompson/PA
UK News

Christian school meals claim reignites halal debate

A number of Church of England and Catholic schools are offering pupils a type of halal meat from animals which are not stunned before they are killed, according to the leader of the county council.

Dave Thompson/PA Wire

Conservative, Geoff Driver was quoted by the Times as saying: "My suspicion is that some schools are simply just buying all halal meat because it's the easiest thing to do.

"[Parents] are asking, 'My child goes to school where there are a lot of Muslims. Is my child eating meat from animals that weren't stunned?' I am afraid the answer may be yes."

Creative Commons

While the British Veterinary Association has called for a ban on non-stun animal slaughter, the practise is endorsed by the Halal Food Authority - a body which promotes adherence to Islamic law in food production.

In total, it is believed 27 Lancashire schools - comprising of 27,000 pupils - serve meat from suppliers who do not incapacitate their animals prior to their throats being slit.

Creative Commons

The Lancashire Council of Mosques accused Mr Driver of "crusade" on the issue and pointed out that church-run schools in the county now have "many, many Muslims".

Chairman, Abdul Qureshi was quoted by the Times as saying: "It will create a huge agitation in society and we are already fighting against Islamophobia."

Lancashire County Council said all of the school concerned offer a non-stunned alternative, such as a fish or vegetarian option.

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