The Student Union (SU) at Warwick University has announced it will no longer implement a fully plant-based catering service, despite the motion passing in 2023.
The decision was made by the Unions’ Board of Trustees as the University cited “financial challenges”.
Campaigners from the Plant-Based Universities group, which was formed as part of an Animal Rising campaign, previously called for all SU outlets to provide 100% plant-based food options by the start of the 2027/2028 academic year.
In a statement on its website, Warwick SU said: “We acknowledge that we did not ratify the commitment to transition to 100% plant-based offerings by 2027. This decision stems from a careful consideration of the practical and financial challenges associated with such a significant transition, and our responsibility to be financially sustainable and considerate of the diverse needs of our student community.”
The Countryside Alliance had previously called for action in response to the meat ban, stating that the decision to “force a vegan diet upon Warwick’s 28,621 students was made by only 2.7% of the student body”. It also urged students to care for British farming by pushing for another vote.
Sabina Roberts, a spokeswoman for the Countryside Alliance, said: “Students shouldn’t let such a small cohort get away with isolating the wider student population. Vegan campaigners are welcome to present their arguments in favour of plant-based diets, but should not impose a diet in university-affiliated buildings. Students should take on their democratic duty and place forward a counter-motion that keeps meat on the menu.”
This comes following decisions from Lancaster, Newcastle and Stirling universities to go fully plant-based.
