Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to increase the number of veterinary professionals in the meat industry.
Defra is taking a number of steps, working with the profession and others, to increase the number of veterinary professionals working in the UK and to enhance the attractions of a veterinary career.
We sent our evidence on UK veterinary capacity, including in the meat industry, to the Migratory Advisory Committee. In their review published on 29 May, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommended that the veterinary profession is restored to the Shortage Occupation List. The recommendations are currently with the Home Secretary.