The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is hailing the launch of Westminster’s major political parties’ manifestos as a win for animal health and welfare.
More than half of BVA’s own manifesto recommendations has been written into the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat priorities for the next Parliament.
The BVA manifesto is framed under four key areas: Securing a successful outcome for animal health and welfare after Brexit; safeguarding animal health; promoting animal welfare; and recognising the vital role of veterinary surgeons.
British Veterinary Association President Gudrun Ravetz said: “This General Election, which has Brexit at its core, is a real opportunity to ensure the most pressing animal health and welfare issues are high on the next Government’s agenda.”
EU working rights
The first call of the BVA manifesto for 2017 - for the next Government to guarantee the working rights for non-British EU vets working and studying in the UK, and for British vets working in the EU – was comprehensively met in both the Labour and Liberal Democrat manifestos, with the Conservative manifesto stating that they will secure the entitlements of EU nationals in Britain and British nationals in the EU.
Animal welfare
The Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats each made at least some commitment to ensuring animal welfare in trade in line with BVA’s second manifesto ask.
All three parties are making stronger commitments around the call to ensure the UK continues to be a globally attractive place for research and development (R&D). In total 11 of BVA’s 20 manifesto asks have been met by one or more of the three parties’ manifestos.
Plaid Cymru’s manifesto or ‘Action Plan’ also guarantees the rights of all Europeans currently living and working in Wales.
It states they will require the UK Government to seek the endorsement of each UK country before any trade deal can be signed, in order to avoid Wales being flooded with cheap imported food that could harm the Welsh farm industry.
The Green Party, UKIP, SNP and Northern Ireland parties’ manifestos are yet to be launched as of 25 May.
