Lancaster University student union votes to go vegan

Professor Rebecca Willis, professor in energy and climate governance, said: “Reducing consumption of meat and dairy products is a crucial step in meeting our climate and health targets.

“I’m really pleased that Lancaster’s students are asking our university to lead the way on this vital issue.”

The university is not bound to follow the recommendation of the motion, which was supported by 18 of the 19 delegates representing about 13,000 students..

The Countryside Alliance, which champions British farming, said it believed the motion was an “attack on freedom of choice” against the majority of students.

Spokeswoman Sabina Roberts said: “It seems preposterous that a minority group of students could take a decision so complex and personal – an individual’s dietary choices – and force it onto the wider student body.

“This decision absolutely should have been put to a student vote.”

The vote followed Animal Rising’s Plant-based Universities, external campaign, which is pushing for more sustainable catering in higher education.

Universities including Stirling, Warwick and Newcastle have also voted to go plant-based, but Edinburgh rejected the plan.

The University of Lancaster has been approached for comment.