MPs back reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act at parliamentary event

MPs and Peers pledged support for legislative reform - which includes the introduction of mandatory regulation for veterinary practices, protection of title for veterinary nurses, a modernised fitness to practise regime for veterinary professionals and the ability to regulate allied professionals such as equine dental technicians - at the joint event  at the House of Commons on Wednesday 24 June 2026. 

The event, sponsored by vet and Conservative MP Neil Hudson, underlined the urgent need for reform of the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA), bringing it into the modern age and ensuring that the profession is equipped to support animal owners and the animals under its care. 

The cross-party support follows the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) final report into UK veterinary services for household pets, in which it calls for widespread reform of veterinary legislation to address a number of concerns it has raised around transparency and consumer choice. 

The event was attended by more than 60 parliamentarians and representatives from across the veterinary sector, including MP and former RCVS Council member Danny Chambers (Liberal Democrat) and MPs Liz Saville Roberts (Plaid Cymru), Sir Roger Gale (Conservative) and Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party). Animal welfare minister Baroness Sue Hayman of Ullock delivered a speech on behalf of the Government. 

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Government, Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under-secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “This Government is committed to supporting our valued veterinary professionals who play a vital role in protecting animal health and welfare across the country. 

"Reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act is an important opportunity that will see millions of pet owners and veterinary professionals across the country benefit from the biggest vet sector reform in 60 years. 

"We will ensure the profession has a modern legislative framework that reflects contemporary practice and supports the highest standards of animal care.”

The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 underpins how veterinary care is delivered in the UK, but it is now nearly 60 years old and widely recognised as no longer fit for purpose. 

MPs heard from BVA President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS, RCVS President Professor Tim Parkin FRCVS and BVNA President Sarah Holliday RVN on how advances in veterinary medicine, growing pet ownership, and the expanding veterinary team mean that current legislation is outdated and how reform would better protect animal welfare, support veterinary professionals, and give animal owners confidence in the care their animals receive. 

RCVS President Professor Tim Parkin FRCVS (pictured) said: “Veterinary regulation is fundamental to the protection of animal health and welfare, and public health, but it is currently being held back by outdated legislation that is no longer fit for purpose. 

“Reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish a flexible, future-facing regulatory regime that protects animals, safeguards public health, and strengthens public trust and confidence in the veterinary professions.

“We are delighted to be here in Westminster to discuss the urgent need for change with ministers, parliamentarians, officials and organisations from across the veterinary sector. 

"Today’s event is a clear demonstration of collective, cross-party support that will be so crucial to securing this long-awaited reform.”

Underlining the urgent need for VSA reform, BVA President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS said:  “Today’s show of support from MPs and Peers demonstrates a real and positive momentum for change. Currently, veterinary professionals are regulated, but the businesses they work in are not. 

"This can leave individual vets and nurses responsible for decisions outside their control that may affect animal health. The recent CMA investigation highlighted this gap and pressed the Government for legislative change. 

“After many years of campaigning by veterinary organisations, we are on the cusp of exciting and much-needed reform, and we now need cross-party backing to get a new Veterinary Surgeons Act over the line and into law.” 

BVNA President Sarah Holliday RVN commented: “As the professional representative body for UK veterinary nursing, we were pleased to engage with parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, urging attendees to support new veterinary legislation to benefit animal welfare, public health and wider society.

“New legislation must provide veterinary nurses with the proper professional recognition they deserve – protecting the ‘veterinary nurse’ title, facilitating more effective skill utilisation, and enabling clearer routes for future career progression. 

“A reformed Veterinary Surgeons Act is now in our grasp, and we will continue our collective efforts to ensure this remains firmly on the political agenda.”

In his introduction, vet and MP Neil Hudson said: “1966 was a very important year- England won the World Cup and we hope they do that again this year, and the Veterinary Surgeons Act in its first iteration was drafted. That's a long, long time ago. It is very important that this piece of legislation is now updated to bring us into the current century- important for regulating our profession, for protecting our veterinary team, and for protecting the ‘veterinary nurse’ title and the allied professionals within it.”

More information on reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act can be found on the RCVS website.