BVA responds as new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs appointed

Previously Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, 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 Barclay and the team at Defra to ensure vets have the tools they need, starting with an overhaul of the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act, which is currently unfit for purpose.”