Animal rights NGO Animal Justice Project (AJP), joined by entrepreneur and long-time advocate Heather Mills, has released an open letter urging Starbucks to pilot oat milk as the default in one UK store as “a first step towards a nationwide move away from dairy”.

The letter, part of AJP’s Udderly Kind campaign, is backed by a broad coalition of supporters, including health professionals, charities, academics, and 17 animal sanctuaries, all calling on Starbucks to change.

The letter has over 85 signatories and is also backed by Dale Vince, George Monbiot and a number of leading academics from a wide range of disciplines alongside environmental charities like Plant Based Treaty and Better Food Foundation.

Vegan businessperson, activist and founder of V-Bites, Heather Mills, said: “Many years ago I introduced plant milks to Starbucks. For the sake of the planet, public health, and cows trapped in the industry, it’s time for Starbucks to innovate further and make oat milk the default milk. This would send a powerful signal that better is possible.”

Dr Sean Barrs, Animal Justice Project said: “Starbucks has already shown progress overseas with their Shanghai store of the future which offers oat milk as the default. Now it’s time to build on that momentum here in the UK by piloting default oat milk and laying the groundwork for a nationwide transition. With the environmental stakes so high and cows dying for dairy, Starbucks must lead, not stay quiet.”

Main image: Heather Mills, vegan businessperson and activist