On 12 March 2024, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its main concerns following an initial review into the veterinary sector, which prompted more than 56,000 responses from the UK public and veterinary industry.

The body announced it had provisionally decided that it should launch a formal Market Investigation focused on its analysis of the issues in the sector, and has begun to consult on this proposal.

On 19 March, Vet Times, in partnership with the BVA and CloserStill Media, gathered together a hand-picked panel of experts to dissect the CMA's investigation and discuss its implications for the professions.

Vet Times editor James Westgate was joined by RCVS president Susan Paterson, BVA senior vice president Malcolm Morley, BVNA president Lyndsay Hughes and independent practice owner Kate Higgins (Village Vets Formby) to answer questions submitted by an invited audience, gain clarity and guidance on the review's implications, explore what it all means for the UK veterinary professions and consider what the next steps are.

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Details of the consultation on whether to launch a market investigation into the veterinary services market for household pets can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-the-proposal-to-make-a-market-investigation-reference-into-veterinary-services-for-household-pets-in-the-uk

This consultation closes at 5pm on 11 April 2024 .