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Defra names new minister for food and animal welfare
Mr Rutley was first elected to Parliament in the 2010 General Election as the MP for Macclesfield.

David Rutley MP will be responsible for EU exit readiness

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has named David Rutley MP as new Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Food and Animal Welfare.

A former Asda and PepsiCo executive, Mr Rutley will be responsible for ‘EU Exit readiness’, the food chain, animal welfare, forestry and climate change adaption.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Rutley said: "It is an honour to join the Defra Ministerial team at such an important time. I am determined to ensure that we fully realise the opportunities of leaving the EU, building on the hard work and excellent efforts of my new colleagues, so we can fulfil our pledge to leave our environment in a better state than we found it and deliver a truly Green Brexit.
 
"I am very keen to support our food and drink sector across the whole supply chain from farm to fork. Working closely with farming minister George Eustice, I look forward to championing the very best British food and drink and helping the industry to lead the world and boost exports further."

Mr Rutley was first elected to Parliament in the 2010 General Election as the MP for Macclesfield. He has previously served on the Treasury Select Committee as Parliamentary Private Secretary to several Secretaries of State.

Before entering politics, My Rutley worked as a senior executive in major companies, including Halifax general Insurance, Barclays, Asda and PepsiCo International. In the mid-90s he worked as a Special Advisor at the Treasury, the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Image (C) Defra.
 

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.