BVA President Urges Professionals to Unite on Veterinary Surgeons Act Reform

The President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), Dr Rob Williams MRCVS, has called on the veterinary profession to stand together and actively engage with the UK Government’s consultation on reforming the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

Speaking at the BVA’s annual Westminster Dinner on 4 February at One Great George Street, Dr Williams addressed veterinary professionals, MPs and peers, including Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Legislative reform was firmly at the forefront of discussions following the Government’s launch of its long-awaited consultation.

Dr Williams described the current Act, now 60 years old, as “not fit for purpose”, stressing that the challenges facing the profession today cannot be met with outdated legislation. He emphasised the urgent need for a modernised, future-focused framework that reflects the realities of contemporary veterinary practice.

“These reforms will affect everyone,” he said, urging members of the profession to engage with the consultation, support the case for change and encourage colleagues to do the same. He described the consultation as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to shape the future of the sector for generations to come.

Alongside legislative reform, Dr Williams welcomed the Government’s plans to negotiate a Veterinary Agreement with the European Union. Such an agreement would support trade and provide direct access to disease surveillance networks. However, he cautioned that these developments come at a time of significant resourcing and operational pressures within Government departments and agencies responsible for biosecurity and animal disease resilience — issues highlighted in recent reports by the National Audit Office and the EFRA Committee.

He pointed to the growing threat of novel animal diseases and questioned how the profession can best advocate for evidence-informed, pragmatic and effective biosecurity measures. He also highlighted the important role of private practitioners in supporting national biosecurity and outbreak preparedness, working alongside colleagues in Government. Dr Williams called on Defra to engage directly with the profession to address these shared challenges in the national interest.

Turning to the ongoing Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into veterinary services for household pets, Dr Williams acknowledged that recent media coverage had been disheartening for what remains a trusted and valued profession. However, he noted that the CMA has recognised the profession’s commitment to acting ethically and putting animal welfare first.

He confirmed that the BVA has been working constructively with the CMA to help ensure any proposed changes improve transparency while strengthening trust between veterinary professionals and pet owners.

Overall, the evening underscored a pivotal moment for the veterinary profession, with reform, biosecurity and public trust high on the agenda — and a clear call for unity and engagement as the sector looks to the future.