Starmer to help parents access baby formula 'at more affordable prices'

The Prime Minister has vowed to help parents access baby formula “at more affordable prices”.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Keir Starmer said he would issue clearer guidance for retailers, which would help new parents use loyalty points and vouchers for baby formula.

It builds on the UK Government’s “action to lift half a million children out of poverty” ahead of the Government Child Poverty Strategy.

The change is intended to help those who cannot or don’t want to breastfeed their babies access baby formula at more affordable prices.

“For too long, parents have been pushed into spending more on infant formula than needed, told they’re paying for better quality, and left hundreds of pounds out of pocket,” Starmer said at PMQs.

“I can announce today that we’re changing that. We will take action to give parents and carers the confidence to access infant formula at more affordable prices, with clearer guidance for retailers and helping new parents use loyalty points and vouchers.

He added: “Together, that will save them up to £500 before their child’s first birthday.”

Health secretary Wes Streeting said the announcement would “put hundreds of pounds back into the pockets of parents”.

“New parents want the best for their baby, and it’s wrong that vague on-pack messages are leaving families out of pocket for an essential product,” Streeting said.

“It’s not right that manufacturers have been able to package up these products in a way that plays on the instincts of new mums and dads who are just trying to do what’s right for their child.

“These new measures mean parents will have confidence in the formula they are buying, no matter the price, and can now make the most of supermarket loyalty schemes too.”