BVA logo

BVA Responds As New Secretary Of State For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs Appointed

6 months ago
299 views

Posted
13th November, 2023 21h29

Author
BVA

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has appointed Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs following today’s Cabinet reshuffle.

Previously Secretary of State for Health and Social Carereplaces, Barclay replaces Thérèse Coffey. 

Responding to the news, British Veterinary Association President Anna Judson said: “The new Environment Secretary enters his job at a critical time with the ban on XL bully dogs rapidly approaching and new imported diseases emerging, all whilst long-standing issues like access to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland post-Brexit still need to be fully resolved. Vets play a vital role in dealing with these issues, as well as supporting the UK economy and international trade, therefore BVA looks forward to working with Mr. Barclay and the team at Defra to ensure vets have the tools they need, starting with an overhaul of the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act, which is currently unfit for purpose.”

More from BVA

• British Veterinary Association responds to Government’s new food labelling proposals
• British Veterinary Association responds to Competition and Markets Authority’s review of the veterinary sector
• New legislation regulating primate pets is ‘a step in the right direction’
• #TimeForChange: BVA launches ‘Return to work’ toolkit to help tackle workforce issues
• New President elected for BVA Northern Ireland Branch and North of Ireland Veterinary Association