I wouldn't claim to be particularly knowledgeable about politics, or even very interested, but recent events have got me gripped. For the first time in my life, except for perhaps the birth of future kings, I feel that I am witnessing a historic event. The vote to leave the EU on June 23rd is surely what my daughter's history teacher would call a ‘turning point’ in the UK's relationship with the rest of Europe, and possibly the rest of the world. I can't help asking myself: ‘What have we done?’
It appears that I was not the only one showing an interest — 72% of the voting population of the UK turned out to vote, a number far exceeding those voting at recent elections where figures have been as low as 59%. The majority vote in favour of Brexit was small (51.9% against 48.1%), and you can't blame those calling for a second referendum, especially with claims that those voting to leave did so based on misinformation (e.g. the assertion that leaving the EU would free up £350m a week extra to spend on the NHS). One of the most abhorrent aspects of the leave campaign in my mind was the Nigel Farage inspired fear over loss of national and cultural identity — xenophobia has no place in the Britain of today or in the Britain of the future.
I respect democracy, and was shaken by the result of the referendum, which does not seem to have any logical basis supported by the kinds of facts required by my scientific mind, but it's now time to get on with our exit. Theresa May is now PM; the negotiation period after triggering article 50 is likely to be 2 years, so the feeling of uncertainty will continue for a while.
So, what does leaving Europe mean for the veterinary profession? Concerns have been raised about potential changes to regulation, education, and workforce planning, but also in terms of animal welfare, research, surveillance, and movement of animals. In response to the referendum, the BVA have pledged to: ‘work hard to ensure the voice of the veterinary profession is heard during the negotiation and discussions that will now begin, in order to secure the best possible outcomes for our profession and for animal health and welfare in the UK’ (BVA, 2016).
The RCVS have set up a special questions and answer area on their site for veterinary nurses (RCVS, 2016). In summary, the RCVS are still currently accepting applications from non-British EU citizens to join the Register of Veterinary Nurses from those trained in the EU. Such veterinary nurses should contact the Veterinary Nursing Department on vetnursing@rcvs.org.uk for further information.
For non-British EU/EEA citizens currently working as veterinary nurses in the UK the RCVS have stated: ‘We recognise, and sympathise with, the anxiety and stress that the result of the EU Referendum may be causing for non-British EU citizens currently working or intending to work in the UK and recognise the huge contribution made by European veterinary nurses in the UK.
At this time of uncertainty it is difficult for us to say what the long-term impact of the result of the Referendum will mean for veterinary nurses who are non-British EU citizens and working, or intending to work, in the UK. However, non-British EU citizens who are Registered Veterinary Nurses will be able to retain the status when the UK leaves the European Union.
However, although being on the Register is a prerequisite to working as a veterinary nurse in the UK, registration does not give the individual an automatic right to work in the UK and this may be dependent on post-Brexit arrangements regarding right to work for non-UK citizens.’
The negotiations will take time, and we must ensure that animal welfare is at the heart of negotiations and that both the public and the environment continue to be protected. So, what have we done? Time will tell, but one thing we can be certain of is that neither the EU nor the UK have changed their opinions about the importance of animal welfare and the ambitions for the veterinary industry.