Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Veterinary Medicine Supplies

Wednesday 24 July 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial questions addressed long-term access to veterinary medicine supplies in Northern Ireland.
  • The veterinary medicines working group will continue to operate and work towards a long-term solution.
  • The Government are committed to working on a veterinary agreement with the EU to reduce trade barriers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Northern Ireland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP highlighted the urgency of ensuring continuous supply of veterinary medicines for biosecurity and public health. Previous government's Windsor framework extended grace period until December 2025.

Question

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help ensure long-term access to veterinary medicine supplies in Northern Ireland? The Windsor framework secured by the previous Government extended that grace period to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland until the end of December 2025, including vaccines and anaesthetics. It is vital for biosecurity and both animal and public health that access continues.

Answer from Fleur Anderson

The veterinary medicines working group will continue. We recognise its importance, and we will continue to work at pace on a long-term solution because continuity of supply and knowing about it well in advance of next December is very important.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Minister did not provide specific commitments or concrete timelines for securing permanent access

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Q2 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Northern Ireland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP highlighted the urgency of ensuring continuous supply of veterinary medicines for biosecurity and public health. Previous government's Windsor framework extended grace period until December 2025.

Question

Will the Minister assure the House that the Government will strain every sinew to secure permanent access to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland, and will they continue the Cabinet Office's veterinary medicines working group?

Answer from Fleur Anderson

I can confirm again that the veterinary medicines working group will continue. We recognise its importance, and we will continue to work at pace on a long-term solution because continuity of supply and knowing about it well in advance of next December is very important.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Minister did not provide specific commitments or concrete timelines for securing permanent access

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Q3 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Northern Ireland Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP welcomed the new Government's efforts to rebuild trust with Northern Ireland and improve relations with the EU. She asked about securing a veterinary agreement that could further reduce barriers to trade.

Question

Could the Secretary of State set out what he is doing with ministerial colleagues and other Departments to open the door to securing a veterinary agreement with the EU, which will further reduce those barriers to trade?

Answer from Fleur Anderson

The Government are committed to working at pace on a long-term solution, including a veterinary agreement. That might change the relationship with the EU and build more trust, and so a bespoke agreement may be needed, but we are working at pace to secure that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Minister did not provide specific commitments or concrete timelines for securing an agreement

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