Veterinary Surgeons Act reform receives cross-party support
Rob Williams (BVA), Neil Hudson MP, Baroness Hayman, Sarah Holliday (BVNA) and Tim Parkin (RCVS).
MPs and Peers have given their support at a parliamentary event for a reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
The event, hosted by the British Veterinary Association (BVA), the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA), took place at the House of Commons on 24 June 2026.
Attendees were calling for an urgent reform to the Veterinary Surgeons Act, which has been in place since 1966. Veterinary organisations said that the Veterinary Surgeons Act should be brought ‘into the modern age’, so that the profession is better equipped to support animal owners and the animals under its care.
Industry bodies have been calling for a reform to the Veterinary Surgeons Act for many years. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) also made recommendations for new legislation as part of its remedy package, released in March this year.
Shortly before the CMA’s recommendation, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) launched a consultation to inform the changes that could be made.
This week’s parliamentary event, which was sponsored by vet and MP Neil Hudson, has now drawn cross-party support for the project. More than 60 parliamentarians and representatives from the veterinary sector attended, including MPS Danny Chambers, Liz Saville Roberts, Sir Roger Gale and Robin Swann.
Baroness Sue Hayman of Ullock, animal welfare minister, also delivered a speech on behalf of the government.
Baroness Hayman of Ullock, who is parliamentary under-secretary of state for Defra, said: “This government is committed to supporting our valued veterinary professionals who play a vital role in protecting animal health and welfare across the country. Reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act is an important opportunity that will see millions of pet owners and veterinary professionals across the country benefit from the biggest vet sector reform in 60 years.
“We will ensure the profession has a modern legislative framework that reflects contemporary practice and supports the highest standards of animal care.”
Rob Williams, BVA president, said: “Today’s show of support from MPs and Peers demonstrates a real and positive momentum for change.
He added: “After many years of campaigning by veterinary organisations, we are on the cusp of exciting and much-needed reform, and we now need cross-party backing to get a new Veterinary Surgeons Act over the line and into law.”
Image © BVA
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
