*RSVP by emailing [email protected]

Not only is this a matter of respect and inclusion for people with ethical and religious beliefs, but it is also essential for maintaining trust in medicines and avoiding issues of non-adherence to medical prescriptions. The prevalence of veganism and vegetarianism has continued to increase over the past few years and this issue also impacts many religious groups in the UK, so it has implications for a large, and growing, section of the British public.

In 2017, the VegAPPG sent a letter to then Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt, which requested that the Department of Health looks at bringing forward more animal-free alternatives to existing prescription drugs, producing guidance for medical practitioners about consent when using animal-based medicines, and guidance for medicine manufacturers in relation to labelling.

The response we received pointed to the UK’s status as a full member of the EU and the need to avoid setting out unilateral negotiating positions in the area of medicines. Now that negotiations are concluded and the UK has left the EU (including the European Medicines Agency) we’re raising this issue again.

Alongside MPs we’ll be inviting people who have particular interest in this area, those who have been impacted by the issue before, and medical professionals who would like to learn more. If you would like more information about this event, or would like to attend, get in touch at [email protected]

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The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Vegetarianism and Veganism provides a forum for discussing issues around vegetarianism and veganism. The group is funded by The Vegan Society and Vegetarian for Life. The Vegan Society serves as secretariat.