Shadow DEFRA Minister and veterinary MP, Dr Neil Hudson, has urged the Government to act to ensure that Cambridge University Veterinary School remains open, following a recent recommendation by the University’s School of Biological Sciences (SBS) to cease its veterinary education programme.
Dr Hudson, a veterinary graduate of Cambridge Veterinary School and Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, has raised serious concerns about the far-reaching consequences such a decision would have if ratified by the University. He warned that closure would be hugely damaging to the UK’s animal health and welfare, biosecurity, food security and public health, all areas in which veterinary professionals play a vital role.
Cambridge has a long and proud tradition of producing veterinary graduates who go on to lead and innovate across these critical sectors. At a time when the UK already faces a shortage of vets, any reduction in training capacity would place further strain on farming communities.
Dr Hudson met this week with the leadership team of Cambridge Veterinary School and expressed confidence that robust plans are in place to secure the school’s financial and academic future, enabling it to continue delivering world-class veterinary education and research.
Dr Hudson has also written to the Secretary of State for Education, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology to urge the Government to intervene.
Speaking during DEFRA Questions in the House of Commons, Dr Hudson said:
“The Government must enact policies that benefit farming communities, and they have an opportunity to do so now on an issue that directly affects our farming sector, food security, animal welfare and biosecurity.
“There has been a recommendation this month by the Council of the School of Biological Sciences to close Cambridge University’s Veterinary School. I declare my strong personal and professional interest as a graduate of this School and as a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
“We do not produce enough vets in the UK. We face threats to our food security and our biosecurity, both of which vets are pivotal to. The health and welfare of animals depend on vets, as indeed does public health.
“Will the Government act now to press Cambridge University to block this closure proposal and save Cambridge Veterinary School for the benefit of animals and people here in the UK and across the world?”
Commenting afterwards, Dr Hudson said:
“I am deeply concerned by this decision. Cambridge Vet School must stay open to protect animal health, safeguard our food and biosecurity, and ensure the UK continues to train the veterinary professionals we so desperately need.
“It is alarming that a University of the global calibre of Cambridge is contemplating down-sizing and closing its Vet School, when in recent years other universities in the UK are opening Vet Schools.”
“I will continue to press the Government to do everything possible to ensure that Cambridge Veterinary School remains open and continues its vital work for generations to come.”
