Dr Neil Hudson MP for Epping Forest – and the first vet elected to the House of Commons since 1884 - secured a commitment from the new Labour Government that his work to ensure the long-term availability of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland will continue.
Following the Windsor Framework, which successfully addressed a great deal of post-Brexit issues, a grace period was agreed between the European Union and the UK Government that allows veterinary medicines to enter Northern Ireland without checks in the interests of animal health and welfare, food safety and public health.
But without a deal, more than half of veterinary medicines needed in Northern Ireland could be put at risk when the grace period ends in December 2025.
On account of his expertise in the field, Dr Hudson was invited to join the Cabinet Office's Veterinary Medicines Working Group which is solidifying the UK's position in order to reach an equitable outcome for animals and people in Northern Ireland, the UK, the island of Ireland and the EU. The group is a mixture of veterinary professionals, politicians and government advisors and was established by the previous Government.
Speaking in Parliament during Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Dr Hudson secured confirmation from the new Government that his work to secure long-term solutions for Northern Ireland will continue.
Speaking afterwards, Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, said:
"Let me be clear - this is not a niche concern of veterinary professionals such as myself. Without a proper supply of veterinary medicines, human public health could be impacted significantly, the agri-food industry would suffer which could in turn impact the availability of food, and of course the health and welfare of animals in Northern Ireland would also come under strain.
"It is critical our Cabinet Office Veterinary Medicines Working Group continues to strive for solutions and so I thank the Minister for her commitments. Northern Ireland must retain its integral place at the heart of our nation and its internal market."
The full exchange in the Chamber between Dr Neil Hudson MP and Northern Ireland Minister Fleur Anderson MP:
Dr Hudson asked his tabled Question 7: What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help ensure long-term access to veterinary medicine supplies in Northern Ireland.
Anderson:
"I understand how important and urgent this issue is and I'd like to thank the hon. Member for his contribution to the Veterinary Medicines Working Group, the work of which we have committed to continue. There's a grace period arrangement for veterinary medicines that remains in place until the end of 2025 and provides for the continuity of supply to Northern Ireland. The Government will continue to progress the work on this issue as quickly as possible."
Hudson:
"Thank you, Mister Speaker I thank the Minister for her answer. The Windsor Framework secured by the previous Government extended that grace period to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland until the end of December 2025. This includes vaccines and anaesthetics, so it's vital for biosecurity and both animal and public health that access continues.
"Can the Minister assure the House that the Government will strain every sinew to secure permanent access to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland?
"And will they continue with the Cabinet Office Veterinary Medicines Working Group on which I sat that was working so hard to find a solution?"
Anderson:
"I thank the hon. Member and I can confirm again that that Veterinary Medicines Working Group will continue. We recognise its importance and we will continue to work at pace on the long-term solution, because that continuity of supply and knowing that well in advance of December next year is very important."
You can watch the full exchange here from 11:55:36.
ENDS
