Having been vegetarian for over thirty years, I understand the importance of alternative choices to animal products at mealtimes. Over the years, I have come to realise the enormous benefits that meat-free diets have to offer to the environment, human health and even to climate change.

As we move toward an uncertain future with a damaged environment, reeling from nefarious human activities, many of us have realised the depth of the problems we face. We realise that the time to merely pay lip service to these problems has long passed and now action must be taken. Many have taken the decision to act by changing dietary habits to exclude the damaging practices of the animal industry.

If a problem is recognised, then a solution can be sought. Sadly however, many are still ignorant of the problems. At the student canteens in both residences, no consistent alternatives are provided for students who have courageously made fundamental changes to their lives.

As a member of the growing number of vegans and vegetarians worldwide, I must insist that our voices be heard and that we are catered for. We are not going to disappear. We are not a fad. We are not willing to be sidelined, overlooked and even derided.

As a matter of conscience, I am starting this petition for change and sincerely hope that you can support it.

Please sign this petition and support change for the better.