Tea and Brexit in the Commons

Area of Science:

• Public Affairs
• Veterinary Policy

Background:

• The British Veterinary Association (BVA) advocates for animal welfare and veterinary professional interests.
• Effective communication with policymakers is crucial for advancing veterinary public health agendas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the BVA's engagement strategies with parliamentarians.
• To highlight the importance of direct lobbying events in influencing legislative processes.

Main Methods:

• An annual Afternoon Tea lobbying event was organized by the BVA.
• The event took place in the House of Commons, providing a direct platform for engagement.

Main Results:

• A significant number of parliamentarians attended the BVA's lobbying event.
• Direct engagement fostered communication between veterinary professionals and policymakers.

Conclusions:

• The BVA's lobbying event facilitated interaction and dialogue with key political figures.
• Such events are vital for the BVA to articulate its policy positions and advocate for the veterinary profession.