The leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies and seven Conservative MSs have called on the Welsh Government to give all primary school children in Wales free milk. In a letter to Education Minister Jeremy Miles they say the cost-of-living crisis is increasing child poverty in Wales and that it is vital that the Welsh Government introduces a free school milk scheme to replace the existing subsidy scheme.

They say free milk for all primary aged children “could act as a vital lifeline to those whose parents cannot afford breakfast” and would help less well off children do better at school. It would also help the economy and Welsh Dairy Farmers “who are currently under significant economic pressure”, their letter, signed by Andrew R.T. Davies and MSs Joel Jame, Samuel Kurtz, Peter Fox, Paul Davies, Mark Isherwood and Darren Millar adds.

Andrew RT Davies said “As a farmer myself, I know first-hand the significant benefits that milk can provide for school children. With child poverty rising under this Welsh Labour Government, Conservative colleagues and I are calling for action to ensure that all primary school children across Wales from all socioeconomic backgrounds can benefit from free nutritious milk at school”

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The MSs quoted Jon Thornes, chairman of the School and Milk Nursery Alliance saying: “Milk is a significant tool in helping combat child food insecurity and with the cost-of-living continuing to push thousands of families into poverty. It’s essential the Welsh Government takes steps to introduce a new free school milk scheme in Wales so all children can benefit from nutritious milk helping them grow and boosting their educational attainment.”

The Welsh Government fully subsidises the cost of the milk for schools for pupils in years reception to year two - a higher subsidy compared to other UK counterparts. School milk for children in years three to six is subsidised.

The full text of the letter from Conservatives calling for free milk for primary school children:

Dear Minister,

We are writing to you to ask what plans the Welsh Government has to introduce a domestic replacement to the School Milk Subsidy Scheme to allow all primary-aged children in Wales to have access to free nutritious milk. On Tuesday 26th September, we were briefed by the School and Nursery Milk Alliance (SNMA) as part of their celebrations for World School Milk Day – a day dedicated to highlighting the role of school milk schemes in ensuring children have access to nutritious milk.

The SNMA highlighted how the cost-of-living crisis is increasing child poverty in Wales and that it is vital that the Welsh Government considers introducing a domestic replacement to the School Milk Scheme to provide free school milk to all primary-aged children. As you may be aware, milk supports children’s cognition, helps develop strong and healthy teeth and bones, combats obesity, and helps to stave off hunger. These outcomes also support children from all socioeconomic backgrounds to perform better academically.

It was brought to our attention that Scotland has already announced its plans to introduce a domestic replacement to the School Milk Scheme. It would provide free school milk to all primary-aged children and plans to launch by the end of this parliamentary session (May 2026).

Given the importance of providing milk for school children, we are wondering what barriers are preventing the Welsh Government from introducing a new permanent domestic replacement to the School Milk Scheme. In light of the cost-of-living crisis, providing milk to all primary-aged children could act as a vital lifeline to those whose parents cannot afford breakfast.

Not only will this help children from a lower socioeconomic background focus and boost their educational attainment, but consuming milk is scientifically proven to be a significant tool in supporting all schoolchildren’s growth and development. With education being a devolved issue, we do not understand why the Welsh Government cannot introduce its own School Milk Scheme – similar to Scotland – which would also significantly help the Welsh Economy by supporting local Welsh Dairy Farmers. This should be a top priority for your government.

As such, we would welcome information on the reasons why you have not yet introduced a permanent domestic replacement to the School Milk Scheme and if you would be willing to meet with the School and Nursery Milk Alliance to discuss these issues further.

We look forward to hearing your response.

The Welsh Government responds:

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Schools can get free milk for children in reception, year one and two and milk at a reduced cost for pupils in years three, four, five and six. We are the only nation in the UK that provides a free breakfast scheme for schools.

"We are also rolling out free school meals for all primary school pupils – something the Welsh Conservatives oppose. This commitment supports local food production and distribution, benefiting local economies.”

Some extra info

The call by Welsh Tory leader Mr Davies has raised some eyebrows given his party's history when it comes to children getting free milk at school. Former Tory Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was once dubbed "the milk snatcher" for eliminating the free milk program for schoolchildren over the age of seven. The scheme began in 1940 when children and pregnant women were issued milk to prevent malnutrition that might be brought about by wartime shortages. But in the 1970s, Thatcher claimed that the free milk was too expensive and proceeded to steer through legislation limiting it to children under the age of seven.