House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Veterinary Medicines in Northern Ireland
19 June 2025 · Northern Ireland Office
Proposed by Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Government has published a policy paper on veterinary medicines supply in Northern Ireland post-2025.
- Two new schemes are being launched: the Veterinary Medicines Internal Market Scheme and the Veterinary Medicines Health Situation Scheme.
- These schemes aim to ensure the availability of veterinary products and critical alternatives in Northern Ireland.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the supply of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland post-December 31, 2025, when certain EU exemptions will end.
Action requested
The Government has published a policy paper and is launching two new schemes: the Veterinary Medicines Internal Market Scheme to facilitate the movement of veterinary products from Great Britain to Northern Ireland under specific circumstances, and the Veterinary Medicines Health Situation Scheme to allow for the supply of critical alternatives if authorised products are unavailable.
Key facts
- The exemptions from EU law that facilitate the supply of veterinary medicines will end on December 31, 2025.
- Disruption is expected to be limited; only a small proportion (less than 10-15%) of authorised products may lack suitable alternatives.
- Two new schemes are being launched: Veterinary Medicines Internal Market Scheme and the Veterinary Medicines Health Situation Scheme.