Government proposals to bring back milk in schools have been welcomed by Romford Recorder readers.

Romford Recorder: Picture:PA/Yui MokPicture:PA/Yui Mok (Image: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

Last week education secretary Michael Gove announced the plans to make milk available to all pupils every day at school from January as part of a crackdown on unhealthy eating.

While there will be a charge for most pupils, those in receipt of free school meals will get the drink for free as well as the under-fives, who already get free milk.

The Government hopes the provision of milk will help tackle low calcium levels in children.

Discussing the issue on the Recorder’s Facebook page, Dawn Wilson said: “Milk is hugely important to our diets.

“My son drinks full-fat milk regularly and is a healthy size and hopefully has very healthy bones also.”

And Rebecca Smith wrote: “I used to love my milk as a child.”

Teresa Marie Leeks Simpson said: “Bring it back!”

And Mandy Annette Middleton wrote: “I had milk at school and I used to be good all day so I got another carton at the end of the day. Yes they should bring it back.”

But vegan campaign charity Viva! has described the proposals as “outdated” and said children should be drinking healthier alternatives such as water, soya milk or fruit juice.

Dr Justine Butler, senior health researcher and writer, said: “A growing body of scientific evidence links cow’s milk to a large number of childhood illnesses and shows that it is not the best source of calcium.

“Cow’s milk is linked to childhood allergies, constipation, ear infection, obesity, teenage acne and type 1 diabetes.

“And what’s more, there is no evidence that cow’s milk is an essential source of calcium, most people in the world (over 70%) don’t consume and dairy at all, they get all their calcium from plant foods.”

What do you think? Get in touch @romfordrecorder on Twitter or email laura.burnip@archant.co.uk with your views.