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Border Target Operating Model: Food and Biosecurity
13 September 2023
Lead MP
Natalie Elphicke
Responding Minister
Dominic Raab
Tags
UkraineEconomyNorthern IrelandBrexitBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Word Count: 4440
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Natalie Elphicke raised concerns about border target operating model: food and biosecurity in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I ask the Government to open the new Dover facility immediately to protect our nation from dangerous imports and ensure biosecurity. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) needs to stand up for British farmers and establish a level playing field with high food standards.
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
I am concerned about the delay in implementing border checks at Dover, where rancid meat, seeds with dangerous levels of pesticides, and meat containing livestock-infecting diseases have been detected. The state-of-the-art facility at Dover has been mothballed for 18 months despite being ready to go. There are serious threats to food safety due to the war in Ukraine, global food disruption, increased production costs, and the spread of animal diseases such as African swine fever.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Asked for clarity on whether lorryloads of qualifying Northern Ireland goods can enter Great Britain without being stopped under the new model.
David Davis
Con
Haltemprice and Howden
He highlighted the seriousness of border management issues, particularly regarding Northern Ireland. He emphasized the need for modern, proportionate, effective, and fair controls.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
He thanked the hon. Lady for securing the debate and questioned how the proposed model would ensure free passage of food to Northern Ireland without extensive paperwork checks, which he argued harm local businesses.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
He pointed out that Dover port health authority has warned DEFRA about increased risks on an industrial scale. He stressed the urgency of opening the ready-to-go facility to protect food security.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
He supported his friend's comments, highlighting the importance of biosecurity for UK farming and animal welfare, stressing the need for proper resourcing of the Animal and Plant Health Agency and upgrading facilities in Weybridge. Asked if the new border model would help in uncovering illicit movements of animals, including puppy smuggling and horse exports for slaughter.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Clarified that the question pertained to trade from Northern Ireland into GB and inquired about the checks on such goods, given that other EU goods coming through Northern Ireland would be subject to checks.
Government Response
Dominic Raab
Government Response
My hon. Friend is making an excellent speech, particularly about being joined up. We are talking about the risks, but there are also opportunities for UK businesses. If we get the level playing field right—if we get a post-Brexit regime that not only deals with all the UK concerns and needs but provides a level playing field for businesses here and abroad—it is a great export opportunity for small businesses such as Tozer Seeds in my constituency. Responded to concerns raised by MPs, affirming that the border target operating model (BTOM) is crucial for protecting the UK's biosecurity while reducing administrative burdens on importers. The phased introduction of controls was moved back by three months based on feedback from stakeholders. On January 31, 2024, health certification will be introduced for imports of medium-risk animal products and plants from the EU; on April 30, 2024, documentary checks will follow. The minister noted that the BTOM does not change controls on qualifying Northern Ireland goods, ensuring unfettered access. He also addressed concerns about surveillance methods used to detect diseases and protect borders, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue while providing assurance that robust regimes are in place.
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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.