Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Windsor Framework: Travel with Pets

Wednesday 23 October 2024 · 2 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The statutory instrument for the Northern Ireland pet travel scheme has now been laid.
  • The scheme significantly reduces the requirements associated with the original Northern Ireland protocol.
  • Northern Ireland pet owners will not face any checks or be required to hold a pet travel document.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jim Allister TUV North Antrim
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The Windsor Framework Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals Regulations 2024 have been introduced, which impact people travelling with pets from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

Question

What assessment has been made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of the Windsor Framework (Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals) Regulations 2024 on people travelling with pets from Great Britain to Northern Ireland?

Answer from Hilary Benn

The statutory instrument for the Northern Ireland pet travel scheme has now been laid. The scheme significantly reduces the requirements associated with the original Northern Ireland protocol and provides a stable and long-term arrangement for those travelling with their pets within the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not address the specific assessment requested by Jim Allister.

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Q2 Jim Allister TUV North Antrim
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The Windsor Framework Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals Regulations 2024 have been introduced, which require pet passports for people bringing their pets from GB to Northern Ireland.

Question

When the grip of EU law controls even the movement of our pets within the United Kingdom, is it not clear that we have gone far too far in regarding Northern Ireland as EU territory? For that is the reason for this absurd regulation, which, at the behest of the EU, imposes pet passports if a person wants to bring their pet from GB to Northern Ireland. There is no point the Secretary of State saying that it could have been worse; they should not exist at all. When will this Government get the EU off our backs and liberate the people of Northern Ireland and our pets from EU diktat?

Answer from Hilary Benn

As I hope the hon. Gentleman is aware, Northern Ireland pet owners will not face any checks and will not be required to hold a pet travel document. In discussing this matter, there is an obligation on him and all of us to ensure that we present the facts, so that people are not unnecessarily troubled.

Not addressed: Does not address the specific demand for ending EU regulations on pet travel.

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