Steve Brine MP joined fellow MPs and veterinary leaders in Parliament to discuss new veterinary legislation
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) hosted MPs, Peers and veterinary stakeholders at the House of Lords to discuss the need to replace the Veterinary Surgeons Act with new legislation. The event was sponsored by Professor the Lord Trees; former President of the RCVS.
As the regulator for the veterinary professions, the RCVS is campaigning for a new Act to ensure the legislation underpinning the vet-led team is modern, principles-based and future-proofed. The proposal has been informed by the findings of a four-year review of the existing legislation followed by a public consultation.
Steve Brine MP for Winchester and Chandler’s Ford attended the event and spoke out in favour of the urgent need for veterinary legislative reform. “It was fantastic to be invited by the RCVS to attend such an important event. I had the pleasure of speaking with and listening to many veterinary professionals and stakeholders, all of whom impressed the urgent need for an updated Veterinary Surgeons Act.
“The current legislation was passed in 1966 but hasn’t been updated since. Evidently the world has changed a lot in that time and veterinary care has too. There is an urgent need for a new Act which is reflective of the modern veterinary profession. The current Act is no longer fit for purpose.”
To find out more about the RCVS’s campaign for a new Veterinary Surgeons Act and their recommendations for the new legislation, visit the campaign microsite at https://lifehaschanged.vet
Pictured; Steve Brine MP at the event in Parliament.