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Veterinary Medicines: Northern Ireland
03 December 2025
Lead MP
Robin Swann
South Antrim
UUP
Responding Minister
Emma Hardy
Tags
Northern IrelandBrexit
Word Count: 4656
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Robin Swann raised concerns about veterinary medicines: northern ireland in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The hon. Member calls for urgent, targeted support from the UK Government and clarity on how online pharmacies will function post-grace period end.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Northern Ireland's farming, veterinary and animal welfare sectors are facing a potential crisis due to the end of the veterinary medicines grace period on December 31. More than 19,000 vets from across the UK signed a joint letter urging Government action. The British Veterinary Association warns that up to 50% of veterinary medicines could be withdrawn from Northern Ireland with serious consequences.
Alex Easton
Ind
North Down
Raises concerns about the National Office of Animal Health warning that up to 50% of veterinary medicines could be withdrawn from Northern Ireland with serious consequences for animal health and agrifood.
Carla Lockhart
Cons
East Londonderry
Calls for greater transparency and immediate unilaterally dealing with the issue, highlighting that over 40% of key products and pack sizes will be impacted. Critiques the Minister for not engaging sufficiently with industry and manufacturer concerns. She calls for transparency regarding a list of supply intentions that has yet to be published due to commercial confidentiality issues.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
She emphasised the importance of legal compliance with international agreements but acknowledged concerns about veterinary medicine discontinuations, announcing a reduction in the number of at-risk products to six. She also outlined two schemes aimed at addressing supply issues. Acknowledges that access to online retailers for pet owners is vital and reassures the House of the Government's commitment to maintaining dialogue with stakeholders. The Minister also refutes claims that the government has its head in the sand, pointing to recent engagements with industry leaders.
Gavin Robinson
SDLP
Lagan Valley
The right hon. Member raises the issue of human health and criticises the EU’s prioritisation of its single market over domestic animal health issues. He questioned the Government's acceptance of EU control over UK internal market access and argued that ongoing availability of veterinary medicines from Great Britain to Northern Ireland has not harmed the single market.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
The hon. Gentleman raises concern over uncertainty causing issues for medical professionals and consumers, urging immediate clarification and resolution.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
The MP points out that the Government have been shy in standing up for Northern Ireland farmers and pet owners, allowing the EU to enforce its laws without any logic or justification. He asked whether the Government had obtained EU permission for the internal market and health situation schemes, expressing scepticism over their routine nature.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Highlights the issue affecting supply chains due to divergence caused by the Windsor framework, questioning the role of the Secretary of State in avoiding questions.
Robin Swann
DUP
Fermanagh and South Tyrone
He inquired about the Government's powers to address potential cost increases by pharmaceutical suppliers, highlighting concerns about interference with the commercial market.
Government Response
Emma Hardy
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Government Response
Baroness Hayman met vets, the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the permanent secretary, and the Northern Ireland Business Brexit Working Group to demonstrate how important the issue is to the UK Government. Channels of dialogue remain open to address concerns raised by the hon. Member for South Antrim. The Minister outlined the Government’s commitment to safeguarding veterinary medicine supply, addressing discontinuations and pack size concerns. She announced a reduction in potentially at-risk products to six and detailed two schemes designed to manage any supply issues that may arise.
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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.