As the only veterinary surgeon in the House of Commons, Dr Neil Hudson MP welcomed the opportunity to speak in the Westminster Hall debate: That this House has considered the Horserace Betting Levy Board and Horse Welfare.
Dr Hudson is a veterinary surgeon, an RCVS Diplomate in Equine Internal Medicine, a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, a member of the British Equine Veterinary Association, was a member of the British Horseracing Authority’s whip consultation steering group and is a part of the BHA-convened horse in society group.
Recently, Dr Hudson chaired the World Horse Welfare Annual Conference and spoke in the debate on the future of horseracing in the UK. He has spoken about his confidence in the future of horseracing, raising the significant animal welfare improvements ongoing in the industry.
During the Debate, Dr Hudson MP said:
“I can testify to the benefits of the HBLB funding to advance veterinary science and education and horse racing. They fund the Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance Team at Cambridge Vet School led by Richard Newton. They also fund Disease Surveillance through Rossdales Laboratory at Newmarket and also produce the Codes of Practice in terms of Equine Infectious Diseases. Does my Rt Hon Friend agree with me that this excellent work funded by the HBLB is vital for the health and welfare of horses, for the UK's biosecurity, and for the future of a thriving British horseracing industry?”
George Eustice MP, the former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who initiated the debate said:
“Well I thank my Honourable Friend for that intervention and of course I completely agree with him that they do some very important work when it comes to veterinary research.”
After the debate, Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
“It was a great privilege to be able to speak at this debate and discuss the important work that the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) do investing in the health and welfare of horses. This is an area very close to my heart given my background as an equine vet and I am so pleased that we have been able to make huge improvements to the health and welfare of horses within the horseracing industry.”
