The internship offers the chance to work at the House of Lords alongside a veterinarian in parliament. It offers insight into veterinary policy and the parliamentary process and is a chance, for those interested in policy making and the varied roles veterinarians contribute to society, to develop new skills during a unique career development opportunity.
The position is open to veterinary graduates (who are MRCVS). Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of the veterinary profession in the UK.
Current Parliamentary Veterinary Intern
Dr Harriet Davenport BSc BVSc MRCVS
Harriet graduated from the University of Liverpool with a degree in Veterinary Science in 2020, having intercalated at Imperial College in 2018 with a BSc in Immunity and Infection. Whilst a student, Harriet was awarded various research projects, as well as winning the Kennel Club Undergraduate Student Inspiration award, and a BBSRC STARs Studentship. For the past year, she has worked at a strategic market research consultancy firm, specialising in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. Alongside her internship, Harriet will be working as a volunteer vaccinator with Saint John’s Ambulance, to aid the NHS’ COVID-19 response.
Previous Veterinary Parliamentary Interns
2019 – 2021
Dr Catrina Prince BSc BVSc MSc MRCV
Enforcement and Animal Welfare
Brexit, Food Systems and Veterinary Surgeons
Cuts to Official Development Assistance
Discussing public goods and small abattoirs
Climate Change and (unforeseen) consequences
2017 – 2019
Dr Gabrielle Laing BVSc PhD MRCVS
January 2019 Parliamentary interaction with stakeholders through APPGs
July 2018: One Health in Policy
May 2018: Animal Sentience amendment to Withdrawal Bill
March 2018: Brexit ‘No Deal’ fears for animal welfare and agriculture
February 2018: Non-stun slaughter question in the House of Lords
December 2017: A new parliamentary intern for Lord Treess
2015-2017
Anthony Ridge MA(Zoology) VetMB MRCVS
October 2017: A leap into the unknown: Anthony’s parting thoughts
August 2017: Brexit vets and immigration
June 2017: The World Association for Animal Health (OiE)
April 2017: A murder at Westminster
March 2017: Parliamentary activities behind the scenes
January 2017: Considering future career options
September 2016: EU select committee and its role in Brexit negotiations
August 2016: Brexit and its implications for vets
June 2016: The State Opening of Parliament and Animal Welfare
June 2016: A day in the life of the Parliamentary Veterinary Intern
April 2016: Antimicrobial resistance and the veterinary profession
February 2016: Veterinary role in global rabies elimination
January 2016: The veterinary parliamentary consultation
December 2015: First impressions of the internship
October 2015: Anthony’s first article: Aspirations
2013-2015
Hannah Jordan BSc(Hons) BVetMed(Hons) MRCVS
Sept 2015: Hannah’s final diary article
Jul 2015: Appointing a successor and other parliamentary activities
June 2015: Activities during recess
March 2015: Business in Parliament before the House rises for the general election
Feb 2015: February’s events
Jan 2015: Maintaining clinical skills
December 2014: Food security
August 2014: Food labelling and WATOK
June 2014: State opening of Parliament
May 2014: Activities since recess
April 2014: Reflections on the first six months
March 2014: A mixed bag of activities in the Lords
January 2014: Non stun slaughter
December 2013: A busy period in the run up to Christmas
November 2013: Animal welfare
October 2013: First week in the internship
September 2013: Career choices and preparing for the internship
Veterinary Policy Research Foundation 