The British Veterinary Association is hailing the launch of Westminster’s major political parties’ manifestos as a win for animal health and welfare, with many of BVA’s own manifesto recommendations being written into the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat priorities for the next Parliament.

Following the announcement of the snap General Election, BVA produced a 20-point manifesto of key recommendations covering both Brexit and wider policy issues, which was sent to the UK’s main political parties’ manifesto-writing teams and to BVA’s parliamentary honorary associates and members.

BVA 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.

“While we are a relatively small profession, our critical and far-reaching roles in animal health, welfare and public health mean that we are uniquely placed to offer the next Government evidence-based and informed advice, and policy recommendations.

“Months of hard work by BVA’s Brexit working group, and the quick issue of our Manifesto to the main political parties, enabled us to secure commitments on the profession’s animal health and welfare priorities from all of the main political parties – whichever of them might take Government after June 8.”