A Welsh school has hit back after a top Tory claimed pupils were only provided with Halal meat in school meals.
Cowbridge School, which is located in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan, was accused of failing to provide non-Halal meat for a schoolgirl.
Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT Davies wrote to local Cllr Rhiannon Birch about the alleged dispute.
However, in a fiery response on social media, Cowbridge School said: “Firstly, just to confirm that the school is no longer a comprehensive school and is now an all-age school.
The incident took place at Cowbridge Comprehensive SchoolGOOGLE STREET VIEW“Secondly the statement that all meat options are Halal only is incorrect.”
GB News approached Cowbridge School for comment after Davies published his letter on social media on July 23.
In his letter to Cllr Birch, Davies said: “My constituent’s daughter attends Cowbridge Comprehensive School, and claims she was told that all meat options served in school meals are Halal meat.
“She requested a non-Halal meat meal for her daughter, but was told this was not available.
A picture of Andrew RT Davies’ letter to Cllr Birch
ANDREW RT DAVIES
“I would be grateful if you would confirm if this is the case, and if so, whether it is a country-wide policy.”
He added: “Non-Halal meat options should be available in all school meals, and it is essential action is taken to ensure this is provided.”
The process of ensuring meat is certified as Halal when it adheres to Islamic law as defined in the Koran.
The Islamic form of slaughtering animals or poultry, dhabiha, involves killing through a cut to the jugular vein, carotid artery and windpipe.
Andrew RT DaviesPAAnimals must be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter and all blood is drained from the carcass.
During the process, a Muslim will recite a dedication, known as tasmiya or shahada.
However, the RSPCA has claimed the process causes unnecessary suffering, pain and distress compared to other processes, including stunning.
The 2021 Census also revealed 0.9 per cent of the Vale of Glamorgan identifies as Muslim, with Cowbridge’s Muslim population dropping to 0.2 per cent.
The proportion of people who identify as Muslim across Wales is slightly higher at 2.2 per cent.