The Vegan Society is demanding an apology from Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith, after the Conservative MP described veganism as “extremist”
Mr Griffith made his comment on BBC TV’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg on 13 April 2025, during an exchange about the forthcoming local elections.
The Tory frontbencher said: “I think the Liberal Democrats are quite extremist. Whenever they get into council, they want four-day weeks and veganism.”
Vegan Rights Consultant to The Vegan Society, Dr Jeanette Rowley, hit back, saying: “When people in positions of power make such comments about veganism, it undermines the respect vegan beliefs deserve under law, mischaracterises veganism and can lead to negative stereotyping, as well as discrimination and hostility towards vegans. This is a violation of the legal principle of equality and non-discrimination.”
Veganism is a philosophy and way of life that the Equality and Human Rights Commission explicitly states is within the scope of human rights provisions and is a protected characteristic under ‘religion and belief’ in the Equality Act 2010.
The Vegan Society’s Head of Campaigns, Policy and Research, Claire Ogley, adds: “To label a group of people as ‘extreme’ simply because they are choosing not to participate in the exploitation and harm of animals and are following a healthy and sustainable lifestyle is absurd and a form of prejudice."
The latest research from The Vegan Society shows that 3% of people in Great Britain now identify as either vegan or following a plant-based diet, representing approximately 2 million individuals: Nationwide trends highlight growing shift toward plant-based diets | The Vegan Society.
This data is indicative of a broader movement, with 10% of the population reducing or eliminating animal products from their diet.
“Veganism is now a widely accepted way of life,” says Ms Ogley. “For Andrew Griffith to call vegans “extremists” shows how out of touch he is. He owes vegans an apology.”
