Cambridge University's student union has abandoned its controversial campaign to make all university catering services 100 percent vegan, opting instead to focus on what it considers more 'important' issues. The decision was made at a meeting this week, where members declined to renew the pledge passed in 2023 with 72 percent support.
The original motion, backed by the Plant-Based Universities lobby group, aimed to transition university cafes and canteens to entirely vegan menus. However, the union council will now campaign for a 75 percent vegan menu, though final decisions on food provision rest with the university. A 'change in circumstances' was cited for the shift, according to student newspaper Varsity.
The policy had faced criticism from disability campaigners, who argued for 'broad' food options to accommodate allergies, autism, and eating disorders. Notably, the pledge never applied to Cambridge's 31 colleges, which independently set their menus. Many colleges have already reduced meat consumption, with Magdalene College serving red meat only once a week and St John's introducing a surcharge on red meat.
A spokesperson for Plant-Based Cambridge acknowledged the change, stating that 'SU motions automatically lapse after three years' and that current officers proposed a short-term 75 percent target. They emphasised the need for a rapid transition away from animal agriculture to combat climate change, vowing to continue working with the union on inclusive plant-based menus.
