Veterinary Medicine

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs written question – answered at on 30 November 2018.

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Photo of Luke Pollard Luke Pollard Shadow Minister (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) (Fisheries, Flooding and Water)

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate he has made of the number of vets required in the UK after the UK leaves the EU.

Photo of David Rutley David Rutley Assistant Whip (HM Treasury), The Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Defra officials continually study statistics about the veterinary profession. The sources are publicly available through the website of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

The number of vets who may be required after the UK leaves the EU varies according to the range of scenarios.

We anticipate some extra demand would be created in the unlikely event that the UK does not reach a deal with the EU relating to the certification of animals and animal products for export to the EU. RCVS has announced its agreement to a proposal from Defra for the creation of a new type of a supporting officer role in aid of the export certification work. This would potentially reduce the additional demands on vets.

Defra continues to work with other Government Departments and veterinary stakeholders on further initiatives to ensure sufficient veterinary capacity.

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