Unite, UCU, and UNISON are extremely concerned at the School of Biological Sciences’ recommendation to end veterinary education and clinical provision at the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital. This rushed proposal puts many jobs at risk, threatens the region’s only low-cost veterinary care and the UK’s highest-ranked veterinary education, and contradicts the University’s recent public assurances about securing full RCVS accreditation and supporting the Vet School’s long-term future. It ignores significant staff and student opposition whilst excluding staff unions and the SU from any discussions, despite explicit requests for the School and General Board to facilitate good-faith conversation between all parties on how to move forward. We would emphasise that this is currently only a recommendation and urge the General Board not to proceed. The unions will work within the Save the Vet School campaign to protect staff, students and services, and we reserve the right to escalate if jobs remain at risk.
—Joint union statement (11/12/2025)