BVA logo
BVA Responds As New Secretary Of State For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs Appointed
2 years ago 
1036 views
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 Barclay and the team at Defra to ensure vets have the tools they need, starting with an overhaul of the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act, which is currently unfit for purpose.”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
- BVA Live 2026: programme line-up announced
- Be a good egg this Easter: Hide chocolate away from your pets, vets warn
- Updated neutering guidance from BVA and BSAVA moves away from one-size-fits-all approach
- Cambridge Vet School decision hugely positive, BVA says
- BVA’s Animal Welfare Foundation is searching for new trustees and committee members to help steer its future
2 days ago 