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Royal party opens Surrey vet school
The Queen opened Surrey's new vet school
Her Majesty the Queen toured the school's state-of-the-art facilities.

£45m school will drive world-leading 'one health' research 

Surrey's new, state-of-the-art veterinary school was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen today (15 October).



The £45 million school is the result of five years of "vision, enthusiasm and determination from many talented individuals," according to its executive dean, Professor Lisa Roberts.



Closely linked with government agencies, veterinary professionals and industry, the University of Surrey's School of Veterinary Medicine will drive world-leading research in 'one health'.


This is our legacy, and we are intensely proud to be part of this evolution in health education. 

Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty toured the custom-built school, meeting one of its founding partners, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick. They also watched a demonstration in the Biomechanics Laboratory and met dogs that have benefited from prosthetic limb surgery.



Commenting on the new school, Prof Fitzpatrick said: "I had a vision where we would deliver a degree structure which was truly focussed on what you dream about when you are sixteen years old, when you are desperate to become a vet. 


"I fully intend to be part of a team that will kindle that fire throughout professional life to shine a light onto the world that badly needs ambassadors of purpose and integrity to be the caretakers of health on Earth, both now and for long after I’m gone and these new buildings will still be standing.



"This is our legacy, and we are intensely proud to be part of this evolution in health education."

Noel Fitzpatrick changing a dog's foot pad
The Queen met dogs that have benefited from prosthetic surgery. Here Prof Noel Fitzpatrick changes Scruffy the dog's foot pad.

Her Majesty and His Royal Highness saw the Large Animal Clinical Skills Building and observed teaching sessions in the Clinical Skills Laboratory, meeting staff and students.



After the tour, a short celebratory ceremony was held, during which Her Majesty was invited to unveil a plaque in honour of the occasion.



To close the ceremony, War Horse star Joey reared up on his hind legs as the Royal limousine left the school.



Surrey's School of Veterinary Medicine is only the second vet school to open in the UK since 1965. It embraces the 'one health' concept, that human and animal health are intrinsically linked.



Prof Roberts said: "Veterinarians play a pivotal role in animal and human disease control and prevention. The University’s veterinary programme encompasses global diseases and food security issues and facilitates progression into a broad range of careers in the veterinary profession.
 


"We are particularly proud of the innovative and modern curriculum we are delivering for our students in collaboration with partners across the veterinary sector in small and large animal practices, government and industry."

Photographs of Her Majesty the Queen © University of Surrey

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.