BVA speaking up for veterinary profession during time of change

Following the EU referendum result on 24 June, BVA wrote to the then Secretary of State Liz Truss MP, and to Ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, requesting an early statement to the effect that non-British EU vets and vet nurses who are currently living, studying or working in the UK will continue to be able to do so in future.

Almost half of veterinary surgeons registering in the UK qualified from veterinary schools elsewhere in the EU, according to statistics from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

This week the Government made a statement to clarify that there has been no change to the rights and status of EU nationals in the UK, and UK nationals in the EU, as a result of the referendum. It also stated:

“When we do leave the EU, we fully expect that the legal status of EU nationals living in the UK, and that of UK nationals in EU member states, will be properly protected.”

In the letters to the Secretary of State and to other Ministers, BVA also sought reassurance for UK veterinary professionals working and studying in other EU member states.

As part of the new Prime Minister’s formation of her government, Andrea Leadsom has been appointed the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. BVA President Sean Wensley is writing to Andrea Leadsom MP to congratulate her on her appointment and to highlight priority issues for the veterinary profession. BVA will also be requesting an early meeting with the Secretary of State.

For further details about BVA’s activity since the EU referendum, please read the blog from BVA President Sean Wensley published in the days following the Brexit result.

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