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Sport Horse Industry: Import and Export Controls
30 April 2024
Lead MP
Helen Morgan
North Shropshire
Lib Dem
Responding Minister
Mark Spencer
Tags
Migrants & BordersEconomyNorthern IrelandForeign AffairsBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Word Count: 3114
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Helen Morgan raised concerns about sport horse industry: import and export controls in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The hon. Member requests that the Minister works closely with the Department for Business and Trade to streamline the export process and ensure UK stallion breeders are on a level playing field. She also asks for clarification on whether UK systems will interface with the TRACES system and if this has been properly tested.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The hon. Member for North Shropshire is concerned about the implementation of new import controls which have caused consternation in the sport horse industry. More than 95% of sport horse mares are artificially inseminated using chilled equine semen, and these checks can cause logistical problems as they must be used within 48 hours. The hon. Member also mentioned a pilot scheme being run from today where checks on those products will be carried out by the inseminating vet rather than at the border control point. She highlighted that there is an issue around Northern Ireland due to biosecurity concerns and stressed the importance of consistency between all the devolved nations, including Northern Ireland. Additionally, she noted a 18% reduction in imports of thoroughbred horses, indicating significant costs and red tape for businesses, which may lead to them considering moving to northern Europe.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon highlighted a specific case in Northern Ireland, where the protocol and Windsor framework have restricted the movement of livestock, including horses, within the UK. He asked if the Minister could address how the movement of horses from Northern Ireland to Great Britain can be facilitated.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
The hon. Member welcomed the debate and declared his interest as a veterinary surgeon, highlighting the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee's report on animal movement across borders. He emphasised the need to balance smooth horse movement with biosecurity protection, advocating for replication of the tripartite arrangement between the UK, France, and Ireland, and progression towards a digital identification system.
Government Response
Mark Spencer
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the economic, social and cultural benefits of the sport horse industry to the UK. He explained that new import controls under the border target operating model are essential for biosecurity, protecting against threats like foot and mouth disease and African swine fever. The minister noted the £13 billion cost in 2022 prices from the impact of foot and mouth disease in 2001. He highlighted that high-risk consignments must enter GB via designated border control posts for checks, but due to industry concerns about peak season timing, DEFRA officials worked with importers and associations to develop a temporary contingency measure reducing official identity checks from 100% to 20%. This allows trade while maintaining essential biosecurity controls. The minister also detailed exemptions for live horse imports based on high health standards, estimating that two thirds of equine imports will be eligible. He mentioned the development of additional border control post infrastructure at Holyhead and Sevington, supplemented by industry advice, to ensure effective operations.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.