Yesterday (31/3/23) the Plant-Based Universities campaign announced that students at Birmingham University have successfully passed a motion for Student’s Guild outlets to become 60% plant-based by the next academic year, with 10% yearly increases until 100% [1].
Chris Packham has tweeted out in support of the move, saying “If you are smart you’ll read the message loud and clear. Change is happening… Top work.” [2].
The hunting lobby group, the Countryside Alliance, also responded. They mentioned outlets in Birmingham serving animal products in a tweet that was later deleted and reuploaded with reference to British farmers [3].
A motion passed with a 54% majority at Birmingham University Student’s Guild yesterday has attracted wide attention as individuals react to the decision made by students at the institution. Wildlife television presenter Chris Packham strongly supported the move towards just and sustainable catering, as the Countryside Alliance reacted extremely negatively.
Imogen Clemett, Plant-Based Universities Birmingham campaigner said:
“We’re over the moon to have the support and backing of an influential figure like Chris Packham. He’s a critical voice in the climate movement as he is known by the public for educating the country about British wildlife. We have the solution for saving the wildlife across the country that we all love. His support of our progress goes to show its potential for positive change. We’re incredibly grateful.”
The Plant-Based Universities campaign is a nationwide initiative of students who are pushing for their universities and student unions to adopt 100% plant-based catering [4]. The group claims that universities have an obligation to follow the scientific research that they produce, detailing the environmental impacts of animal farming and fishing. The campaign is active in over 40 institutions, with the group encouraging interested students to sign up to run local campaigns.
The Plant-Based Universities campaign is supported by the well-known animal and climate justice group Animal Rising.
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Nathan: 07466114387
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Notes To Editors:
[4] https://animalrebellion.org/introducing-plant-based-universities/ and https://www.plantbaseduniversities.org/post/students-launch-plant-based-campaign