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Foot and Mouth Disease 2025-01-15
15 January 2025
Lead MP
Neil Hudson
Debate Type
Urgent Question
Tags
NHS
Other Contributors: 31
At a Glance
Neil Hudson raised concerns about foot and mouth disease 2025-01-15 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm the Government’s emergency contingency response to the recent confirmation of foot and mouth disease in Germany? The MP is concerned about the potential threat to UK livestock and farmers, especially considering the severe economic and mental health impacts of previous outbreaks.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Question
The confirmation of foot and mouth disease in Germany is causing alarm among the farming community. The MP asks about movement restrictions on animals and products from the affected area, the potential extension of bans to personal imports, tracing efforts for possible movements of products from Germany, advice regarding human and vehicle movements, and preparedness regarding vaccine supply if an outbreak occurs.
Minister reply
Movement restrictions are fully in place for commercial imports. The Minister is considering extending bans on personal imports unless accompanied by veterinary documentation. Tracing work continues to monitor product movements. Regarding vaccination, it would be considered at the outset of any outbreak alongside culling and immediate movement controls. DEFRA holds vaccines for various serotypes, and close collaboration with devolved Administrations ensures readiness.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Question
In light of Cumbria's severe impact in 2001, the MP asks about steps being taken to ensure that farmers and their livestock are protected from potential outbreaks.
Minister reply
The Minister reassures that tracing facilities have improved with better technologies. Close collaboration with German authorities ensures up-to-date advice and procedures. The UK has robust measures in place.
Tim Farron
LD
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Question
Referring to the delay in DEFRA's instructions compared to other countries, the urgent need for investment in APHA and the new laboratory, the lack of a veterinary agreement with the EU, and the recommendation to meet Lord Curry from the 2001 inquiry.
Minister reply
The Minister clarifies there was no delay; measures were implemented as soon as possible. Investment in Weybridge is ongoing, and collaboration with German authorities ensures biosecurity.
Lizzi Collinge
Lab
Morecambe and Lunesdale
Question
The MP seeks assurance that farmers will be protected from another outbreak like 2001.
Minister reply
The Minister reiterates the Government's commitment to protecting livestock through robust measures, including movement controls and collaboration with international authorities.
Richard Quigley
Lab
Isle of Wight West
Question
Will the Minister confirm what mitigation funding has been made available for farms that may be affected? Will he commit to look urgently at the provision of an abattoir on the Isle of Wight, because we do not currently have one?
Minister reply
At this stage, no specific funds have been allocated for mitigation. The focus is on preventing any outbreak in the UK. If an outbreak were to occur, further proposals would be made.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Question
Could the Minister confirm that the precautionary principle will come to the fore and that conversations are planned with the Government in Dublin regarding shared land borders?
Alison Hume
Lab
Scarborough and Whitby
Question
Is the Minister able to share more details about the funding available from his Department to help prevent new animal diseases?
Minister reply
We have extensive facilities and agencies tasked with protecting against such diseases. The chief veterinary officer and her team are working diligently, though concerns remain over long-term funding for these critical services.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Question
Will the Minister join me in thanking the people who work at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, and does he agree that it urgently needs investment to improve its facilities?
Minister reply
I am grateful for your invitation and have been briefed by senior officials from APHA. I will consider a tour of the facility to assess further improvements needed.
Louise Jones
Lab
North East Derbyshire
Question
Can the Minister assure me that we are taking this very seriously, and that we have contingency plans in place?
Minister reply
We are doing everything possible to prevent an outbreak. Should one occur, we will implement robust measures to support farmers and mitigate any impacts.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Question
Does the Minister agree that Northern Ireland farms should be treated equally in relation to import bans from Germany?
Minister reply
Northern Ireland farms are just as important, but specific controls apply due to proximity and potential transmission risks.
Sally Jameson
Lab/Co-op
Doncaster Central
Question
What measures are being taken to ensure that no animals infected in Germany end up in the UK?
Minister reply
Extensive work is ongoing in Germany and across Europe to trace the origin of the infection. We are exploring all avenues to prevent further spread.
Sarah Dyke
LD
Glastonbury and Somerton
Question
What plans do the Government have to support farmers who may be impacted by this disease or any other biosecurity risk?
Minister reply
Should an outbreak occur, we will look at further measures to help and support affected farmers. Current efforts focus on prevention.
Claire Hughes
Lab
Bangor Aberconwy
Question
Will the Minister say more about how he will work with the Welsh Government in particular?
Minister reply
We have an extremely close relationship, with regular communication between my office and the Rural Affairs Minister of Wales.
John Cooper
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
Question
Can the Minister reassure me that the Republic of Ireland will not be a back door for this disease?
Minister reply
We are cooperating closely with veterinary officials across Europe to prevent any extension of the outbreak.
James Naish
Lab
Rushcliffe
Question
What steps are being taken to engage the National Farmers Union and other trade bodies?
Minister reply
We hold regular dialogues with all relevant parties, including a recent roundtable on bluetongue threat.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Question
Why has advice not been provided to Northern Ireland farmers and what about a complete ban on imports from Germany?
Minister reply
We are working closely with all UK regions, though specific circumstances dictate different measures for each area.
Luke Charters
Lab
York Outer
Question
Will my hon. Friend commit himself to reviewing funding for the Animal and Plant Health Agency in case of multiple concurrent diseases?
Minister reply
The £200 million investment is welcome, but further reviews may be necessary depending on evolving threats.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
I appreciate the Minister's willingness, but could he also confirm that plans are in place for a visit to Harper Adams University and its veterinary experts?
Minister reply
I will be happy to consider visiting Harper Adams University at an early opportunity. I value their expertise and contributions to agriculture.
Asad Raza Malik
Lab
Warrington South
Question
With the outbreak in Germany, what measures are being taken to ensure that illegal meat imports are intercepted effectively?
Minister reply
We have strengthened controls on personal imports and will continue to work towards intercepting all illegal meat products at our borders.
Winchester
Question
Beyond funding Weybridge, are resources being allocated for port authorities to better manage the risks of illegally imported meat?
Minister reply
We aim to ensure that illegal imports are intercepted and stopped. We will work on resourcing our ports properly to enhance security measures.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Question
Given the cross-border movement of animals between Scotland and England, can we ensure there is close co-operation with the Scottish Government?
Minister reply
The veterinary officers work closely together on an official level to manage animal movements effectively.
Ann Davies
PC
Caerfyrddin
Question
What specific lessons have been learned from the 2001 outbreak to prevent future occurrences of foot and mouth disease?
Minister reply
Many lessons were learned, including technological advancements that improve biosecurity measures.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Question
How is the Government engaging with local authorities to ensure support for farming communities?
Minister reply
We are ready to move to necessary stages if required, but currently our focus remains on preventing an outbreak.
Tiverton and Minehead
Question
Can the Minister pledge to communicate with farmers during this period of concern?
Minister reply
We will ensure that effective communication is maintained, providing reassurance through clear measures in place.
Harriet Cross
Con
Gordon and Buchan
Question
Does the import ban cover products originating from Germany but imported elsewhere?
Minister reply
We are applying rules to exclude German products, though supply chains can be complex within the EU.
South Devon
Question
Does this situation provide an impetus for securing a better veterinary deal with the European Union?
Minister reply
We are committed to getting a better deal, and our relationship with German colleagues is currently excellent.
Charlie Dewhirst
Con
Bridlington and The Wolds
Question
Will further steps be taken to permanently ban personal meat imports?
Minister reply
We have strong measures in place, though there is always a case for further investment if necessary.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Question
Does the current arrangement provide adequate protection for Northern Ireland farmers?
Minister reply
We are determined to ensure full protection, including robust measures against any potential outbreaks.
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Question
Can the Minister confirm that the Welsh Government will commit to working with local authorities?
Minister reply
We have detailed conversations between veterinary officers and political decisions are made by Ministers in close collaboration.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I declare an interest as a member of the Ulster Farmers Union. The impact on dairy farming and sheep farming in my area would be great, especially given past experiences with foot and mouth disease. Can the Minister confirm that there will be zero tolerance of products from Germany? Will he also confirm that a full UK-wide report including Northern Ireland will come to this House before any ban is lifted?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman speaks with passion on these issues. I can absolutely assure him that the measures in place to protect farmers in Northern Ireland are strong and will be good enough to make sure that we can protect people properly. Clearly, there is a slightly different set of arrangements in Northern Ireland, as he will be well aware. We have to respect that, but we are getting absolute and total co-operation from our German colleagues. There will be no meat coming from affected parts of Germany to Northern Ireland.
Government Response
The Minister assured that the UK remains free of foot and mouth disease since 2007. Following confirmation in Germany on January 10th, DEFRA has taken immediate action by suspending commercial imports of susceptible animals from Germany and restricting personal imports of animal products across the EU. The Government have increased risk levels to medium and are working closely with German authorities to monitor the situation. Additional countries may be added if necessary. The UK chief veterinary officer is urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant and report any suspect disease immediately. The Government has invested £200 million in Weybridge testing facilities to bolster protection against animal diseases, including foot and mouth.
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