Biosecurity and animal welfare

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Open Inquiry
Opened: 9 Jan 2025 Parliament page
Animal and plant diseases and pests have far-reaching impacts on the environment, agricultural and horticultural sectors, trade, human health, animal welfare, and the food that we eat. The UK’s animal and plant biosecurity capability is in a period of significant change: the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s critical infrastructure – … Read more
64 Recommendations
49 Conclusions
4 Reports
8 Oral sessions
54 Letters
8 Events
Activity timeline 70 events
11 Sep
2026
Report published
9 Sep
2026
Correspondence
8 Sep
2026
Correspondence
24 Aug
2026
Correspondence
30 Jun
2026
Oral evidence
30 Jun
2026
Correspondence
23 Jun
2026
Correspondence
5 Jun
2026
Report published
5 Jun
2026
Correspondence
3 Jun
2026
Correspondence
19 May
2026
Correspondence
28 Apr
2026
Correspondence
Oral evidence sessions 8 sessions
30 Jun 2026
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Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Abigail Seager · Defra Dr Suzanne Eckford · Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) Lea Reynolds · Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD)
17 Mar 2026
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EFRA Committee
Dr Rob Williams · British Veterinary Association Professor Caroline Argo · SRUC Veterinary School Professor Matt Jones · Harper and Keele Veterinary School Professor Tim Parkin · Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
9 Dec 2025
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Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Baroness Hayman of Ullock · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Dr Christine Middlemiss CB · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Mark Thompson · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Professor Nicola Spence CBE · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
21 Oct 2025
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Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Geoff Ogle · Food Standards Scotland (FSS) Katie Pettifer · Food Standards Agency (FSA)
6 May 2025
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Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Gareth Baynham-Hughes · Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Spencer Draper · Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs The Baroness Hayman of Ullock · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
25 Mar 2025
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Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Katrina Walsh · International Meat Trade Association Nichola Mallon · Logistics UK Nigel Jenney · Fresh Produce Consortium Sally Cullimore · Horticultural Trades Association (HTA)
4 Mar 2025
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Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Dr Christine Middlemiss · Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Dr Jenny Stewart · Animal and Plant Health Agency Dr Jude McCann · Farming Community Network Lizzie Wilson · National Pig Association Richard Griffiths · British Poultry Council Sarah Tomlinson · TB Advisory Service
4 Feb 2025
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Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
David Smith · Border Force Helen Buckingham · OneResolution Lucy Manzano · Dover Port Health Authority
Recommendations & Conclusions
113 results
1 Conclusion
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
Animal diseases pose a national security risk and threaten farmer wellbeing.
Animal disease threats like foot and mouth disease and African swine fever are a national security issue and must be understood as such across Government. Although it is not possible to prevent all contaminated animal products entering Great Britain, the … Read more
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2 Conclusion
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
Greater understanding and transparency needed on illegal animal product imports.
Consumers deserve confidence that the food they are buying is safe and meets high welfare standards, and British farmers should not be undercut by cheap, poor quality animal products. We need to understand more about the nature and scale of … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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3 Recommendation
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
Commission risk assessment and publish quarterly data on illegal animal product imports.
Defra should commission a risk assessment of the type published by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency in 2004 for the import of contaminated meat and meat products into Great Britain and subsequent exposure of livestock. It should model the probable amount … Read more
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4 Conclusion
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
Public awareness of new EU personal import restrictions remains insufficient.
Defra’s ban on personal imports of most animal products from the EU, introduced in April 2025, is a welcome simplification and strengthening of the rules. However, there is not yet enough public awareness of the restrictions or the reasons for … Read more
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5 Recommendation
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
Compel travel operators and scale up Defra communications including a digital import tool.
Travel operators should be legally compelled to inform travellers of the rules for personal imports from the EU into GB. Defra must immediately scale up its communications to the public about personal import rules and reach a much broader audience. … Read more
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6 Conclusion
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
Defra's approach to EU personal imports has been lax, reactive, and complicated.
Under successive governments, Defra’s approach to personal imports from the EU since 2021 has been unnecessarily lax, too reactive and overly complicated. Temporary personal import rules create confusion for travellers, uncertainty for farmers, and difficulty for enforcement professionals. (Conclusion, Paragraph … Read more
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7 Recommendation
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Consult on and introduce a permanent, straightforward personal import policy for EU products.
Defra must consult on a permanent personal import policy for the EU by April 2026. It should prioritise safeguarding British farms and should be straightforward enough to be understood by travellers and to be enforced. The current temporary ban on … Read more
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8 Conclusion
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
Demand for specific products fuels illegal animal product imports into Great Britain.
Demand for cheap meat and culturally preferred products is fuelling the influx of illegal imports to Great Britain. (Conclusion, Paragraph 30)
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9 Recommendation
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Design a strategy to reduce demand for illegally imported products and engage communities.
Defra should work with the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland to design a strategy to reduce demand for illegally imported products. Defra must further consider how to engage with Eastern European communities in Great Britain to raise awareness … Read more
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10 Conclusion
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
Defra lacks comprehensive strategy and convincing plan to prevent animal diseases and tackle POAO smuggling.
The Committee supports the Government’s commitment to “do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot and mouth”. The Committee welcomes efforts made so far, but concludes that there is more that Defra 36 could and should be doing … Read more
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11 Recommendation
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Create a collaborative strategy for POAO smuggling and establish formal information sharing mechanisms.
By January 2026, Defra should create a strategy for POAO smuggling in collaboration with the National Food Crime Unit (FSA), the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (FSS), port health authorities, inland local authorities and Border Force. To be effective, … Read more
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12 Recommendation
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
Responsibility for tackling illegal meat imports is fragmented, lacking clear ownership and leadership.
There is currently no identifiable or effective ownership of the issue of illegal meat imports. Responsibility is so fragmented across agencies that outdated, inefficient ways of working have been allowed to persist and the scale of the crisis has been … Read more
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13 Recommendation
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
Establish a taskforce for illegal imports of animal products, led by the Minister for Biosecurity.
A taskforce for illegal imports of animal products should be established by November 2025, led by the Minister for Biosecurity, to provide oversight of the strategy’s design and implementation and to drive improvements. The taskforce should at least include the … Read more
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14 Recommendation
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
Local authorities are overlooked and under-supported in tackling illegal POAO imports.
Local authorities are a key partner in tackling illegal POAO imports but are being overlooked and under supported by Defra. (Conclusion, Paragraph 44)
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15 Recommendation
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Integrate local authorities into formal intelligence networks and review their POAO smuggling workforce needs.
Local authorities should be integrated into formal information sharing and intelligence networks. The illegal imports taskforce should review the workforce needs of local authorities in relation to POAO smuggling. The taskforce should consider whether regional expert contacts would be an … Read more
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16 Conclusion
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Border Force inadequately enforces personal import rules, lacking POAO understanding and focused teams.
Border Force is not adequately fulfilling its responsibility to enforce personal import rules relating to animal products; it has too many competing priorities and officers lack understanding of product of animal origin (POAO) rules and seizures. Border Force and port … Read more
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17 Recommendation
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Grant port health authorities stop, search, seize powers and funding for animal product border enforcement.
Port health authorities should be given stop, search and seize powers in relation to animal products and funding for enforcement presence at the border in relation to personal imports for the EU and rest of world. With the introduction of … Read more
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18 Conclusion
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
No effective deterrent exists for meat smuggling, allowing smugglers to operate with impunity.
There is currently no effective deterrent to meat smuggling and smugglers are operating with impunity as a result. Defra’s proposal to crush vans carrying illegal imports is not a silver bullet for this issue and may be challenging to practically … Read more
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19 Recommendation
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Require Defra to implement a plan for fining and prosecuting repeat animal product smugglers.
Defra must deliver a plan to immediately start fining and prosecuting repeat offenders and those who are attempting to smuggle significant amounts of animal products. (Recommendation, Paragraph 46) The Port of Dover
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20 Conclusion
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
Unacceptable breakdown of trust between Defra and DPHA harmed national biosecurity.
Under the previous Government, there was an unacceptable breakdown of trust, communication and cooperation in the relationship between Defra and Dover Port Health Authority (DPHA) to the detriment of national biosecurity. (Conclusion, Paragraph 60)
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21 Recommendation
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Require Government to lead effective mutual restoration of Defra and DPHA relationship.
This Government must lead an effective, mutual restoration of that relationship, which is of strategic importance to the UK’s security and trade. (Recommendation, Paragraph 60)
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22 Recommendation
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
Insufficient DPHA operational coverage and defunded vets undermine biosecurity at Dover.
In the absence of an effective deterrent for meat smuggling and within the context of high rates of non-compliance with import rules, 20% operational coverage for DPHA’s anti-meat smuggling operations is insufficient. Defra’s decision to cease funding for official veterinarians … Read more
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23 Recommendation
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Provide emergency funding to double DPHA's operational coverage and reinstate official veterinarians.
The Committee has recommended that POAO enforcement powers and funding be transferred to port health authorities; in any interim period, emergency funding should be provided to at least double DPHA’s operational coverage at the border and should allow for the … Read more
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24 Conclusion
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
Port of Dover facilities are unsuitable for seizing high volumes of contaminated meat.
The space and facilities at the Port of Dover are not suitable for seizing high volumes of potentially contaminated meat. Defra needs to think creatively about how it can tackle this unprecedented challenge at the Short Straits, rather than being … Read more
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25 Recommendation
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
Repurpose Bastion Point to support enforcement, improve worker safety, and upgrade port facilities.
Defra should work with DPHA to consider how the space available at its Bastion Point site could be repurposed to support with enforcement activities and relieve pressure at the port. Defra should conduct a cost- benefit analysis of repurposing Bastion … Read more
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1 Conclusion
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards …
Defra fails to effectively implement Border Target Operating Model and meet inspection targets.
While assessments of the effectiveness of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) in safeguarding UK biosecurity vary, and regardless of whether full or partial implementation would be sufficient in principle, Defra and the relevant authorities have not fulfilled their responsibilities … Read more
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2 Recommendation
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Require Defra to publish a thorough review of BTOM implementation and quarterly port inspection rates by January 2026.
It is essential that Defra thoroughly reviews the implementation of the BTOM. Defra should commit to this review in its response to our Report, and the review must be published no later than January 2026. It should set out why … Read more
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3 Conclusion
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Varying inspection rates at different ports enable gaming of the biosecurity system.
Varying inspection rates at different ports of entry has created a system that can be gamed by those seeking to dodge costs or import illegal goods and may even introduce “temptation” for legitimate importers who witness their consignments auto-clear important … Read more
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4 Recommendation
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Require Defra to assess intentional non-compliance within the BTOM and outline corrective steps.
In the review proposed above, Defra should work with relevant Government departments and non-departmental delivery partners to assess the scale and nature of intentional non-compliance and outline the steps it will take to address this. These lessons should also be … Read more
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5 Conclusion
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Transparency and accuracy lacking in SPS control models undermine trust and scrutiny.
There is a critical need for greater transparency and accuracy in the modelling and implementation of SPS controls. A failure to publish risk assessments and data informing inspection rates, limits scrutiny and undermines trust in the system. Addressing these issues … Read more
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6 Recommendation
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Require Defra to provide risk assessment models and underlying data for SPS inspection rates.
Defra should, in response to this Report, provide us with the risk-based assessment models and underlying data used to determine SPS inspection rates. Publicly available models will enhance transparency, allow for independent scrutiny, and help rebuild stakeholder confidence in the … Read more
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7 Conclusion
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Enforcement system at Short Straits remains flawed, creating vulnerabilities for illegal entry.
Defra maintains that a “robust” enforcement system is in operation at the Short Straits entry point. Within the context of flawed IT systems, data gaps, routine auto-clearance of goods and strained local authorities, the Committee does not share that confidence. … Read more
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8 Recommendation
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Require Defra to provide Sevington BCP lorry data, validate re-exported goods, and assess commercial sealing.
In an annex included in the response to this Report, Defra should provide us with the August and November 2024 figures relating to the number of lorries that were directed to Sevington Inland BCP for border checks and the number … Read more
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9 Conclusion
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Serious concerns persist regarding the functionality and reliability of border biosecurity IT systems.
Throughout our inquiry, we heard repeated and serious concerns about the functionality, integration, and reliability of the IT systems underpinning the UK’s border biosecurity regime. As enforcement relies on data, these concerns raise fundamental questions about the Government’s ability to … Read more
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10 Recommendation
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Require confirmation of disease commodity code database and a 24/7 IPAFFS update team.
In response to this Report, the Government should confirm that it has produced a list of pre-identified commodity codes for the top five notifiable diseases and provide a copy of this database containing the commodity codes in question to the … Read more
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11 Conclusion
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Defra's cultural and bureaucratic issues impede timely parliamentary scrutiny and transparency.
It is disappointing that it required persistent questioning from the Committee over a period of three months before the Department provided answers to all our questions regarding the initial response to foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in Europe. This … Read more
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12 Conclusion
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Government's practical implementation strategy for EU biosecurity Common Understanding remains unclear.
The Common Understanding with the EU presents a positive and welcome opportunity to bolster UK biosecurity and we praise the Government for its work in this regard. It remains unclear, however, how the Government sees the new arrangements working in … Read more
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13 Recommendation
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Set out strategic objectives for shared EU-UK digital border biosecurity systems, clarifying IPAFFS adoption.
In response to this Report, the Government should set out its strategic objectives for shared EU–UK digital systems in the context of border biosecurity. Specifically, it should clarify whether IPAFFS will be retired in favour of adopting TRACES NT, or … Read more
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14 Recommendation
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IPAFFS must ensure full interoperability with EU and local systems for border biosecurity.
Until a Common SPS Area is formally established, IPAFFS will remain the UK’s primary digital system for managing border biosecurity. It must therefore be capable of meeting the operational needs of all users and enforcement bodies, including importers, port health … Read more
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15 Recommendation
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Confirm real-time IPAFFS access for local authorities and publish digital interoperability roadmap.
In response to this Report, Defra should confirm it is taking steps to provide local authorities with real-time access to IPAFFS to support enforcement and traceability of consignments. Until the UK gains full access to EU systems, IPAFFS should be … Read more
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16 Conclusion
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Single Trade Window needs full functionality and efficiency, learning from cost overruns.
There is a need to learn from the cost overruns and delays associated with developing new digital systems such as the Single Trade Window. While an SPS deal with the EU may ease administrative burdens, the UK’s global trade requires … Read more
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17 Recommendation
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Provide analysis of Single Trade Window delays and outline renewed implementation timeline and costs.
Future border systems must prioritise ease of use, interoperability, and support for trade growth. In its response to this Report, the Department should provide an analysis of the reasons for the Single Trade Window’s delay. It should also outline the … Read more
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18 Recommendation
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Develop future border cost recovery mechanisms collaboratively with industry to rebuild trust.
Border control posts recover costs whilst operating as the least-cost, high-efficiency solution for border checks. Industry trust in the Common User Charge has been undermined by a perceived lack of transparency in cost recovery processes and concerns over the widespread … Read more
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19 Recommendation
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Co-design BCP cost recovery mechanisms with industry and publish Sevington Inland BCP operational costs.
If the Government continues to operate a BCP within the common SPS area, any cost recovery mechanism must be co-designed with industry and should not disproportionately affect small and medium-sized enterprises. In the interest of transparency, the Government should publish … Read more
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20 Conclusion
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Dissatisfaction with inland BCP plant checks persists; PoD inspections could improve system efficiency.
Industry has expressed dissatisfaction with the current system of SPS checks on plants and plant products conducted at inland Border Control Posts (BCPs), citing concerns around value for money, inspection standards, and biosecurity. While a future SPS agreement with the … Read more
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21 Recommendation
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Adopt hybrid BCP/PoD plant inspection model and share biosecurity protocols for inland BCPs.
The Government should adopt the Horticultural Trades Association’s proposal for a hybrid inspection model, combining BCP and PoD approaches. Following a short consultation with industry, the Government should designate specific consignments eligible for PoD inspections. Additionally, APHA should share with … Read more
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22 Recommendation
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Future border policy development requires structured, transparent stakeholder consultation from the outset.
Future border policy development must include structured, transparent, and iterative consultation with stakeholders from the outset to ensure policies are workable and informed by the sector. (Conclusion, Paragraph 40)
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23 Recommendation
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Commit to clear timelines, a delivery plan, and prompt communication during BTOM transition.
During the transition away from the BTOM, the Department should commit to clear timelines for decision-making, a delivery plan, and communicate changes promptly to allow businesses to plan with confidence. (Recommendation, Paragraph 40)
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24 Recommendation
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Potential Sevington BCP sale raises commitment concerns and creates local authority uncertainty.
Reports that the Government may be seeking to sell and repurpose the inland border control post at Sevington raises concerns about its ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving the facility while it remains operational. This demonstrates an assumption that an … Read more
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25 Recommendation
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Clarify Sevington BCP future, commit to maintenance, and support affected local authorities financially.
The Government should publicly clarify its intentions regarding the future of Sevington BCP, including whether it plans to sell or repurpose the site. Regardless of any future SPS agreement, Defra should commit to maintaining the facility and improving the efficiency … Read more
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26 Recommendation
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People's welfare and working conditions are central to successful border system design.
Implementing the BTOM goes beyond logistics and finance; people are central to a successful, biosecure border. The welfare, dignity, and working conditions of those delivering and using a border system must be integral to its design and operation. (Conclusion, Paragraph … Read more
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27 Recommendation
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Outline plans to reduce haulier wait times and ensure adequate 24-hour driver welfare facilities.
In its response to this Report, Defra should outline plans to reduce current wait times for hauliers at the border and outline how it intends to ensure that all drivers have 24-hour adequate welfare facilities. Any future border infrastructure and … Read more
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1 Recommendation
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Clarify inclusion of on-farm animal welfare and labelling in EU SPS negotiations
The Government must urgently clarify whether on-farm animal welfare and labelling will be included in negotiations with the EU of an SPS agreement so it can properly develop any future legislative changes, prepare industry for reforms and so those changes … Read more
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2 Recommendation
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Establish and publish the scope of SPS negotiations for effective consultation
The Government and EU should establish the scope of the SPS negotiations as a priority and publish this information on an interim basis, prior to the conclusion of negotiations, to enable effective consultation and scrutiny. (Recommendation, Paragraph 16) Read more
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3 Recommendation
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Prevent UK farmers being undercut by lower welfare imports through specific exemptions
The Government must not allow UK farmers and food producers to be undercut by cheaper imports produced to lower welfare standards, in line with its repeated commitments to not lower food standards and uphold high animal welfare standards in trade … Read more
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4 Recommendation
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Seek specific exemptions from dynamic alignment with EU on animal welfare standards
The UK Government should seek specific exemptions from dynamic alignment with the EU on animal welfare standards. (Recommendation, Paragraph 20)
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5 Recommendation
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Prevent UK food producers being undercut by EU imports with lower welfare standards
The Government must prevent UK food producers from being undercut by EU imports produced to lower animal welfare standards within a future common SPS area. In its response to this report, the Government should set out the practical measures it … Read more
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6 Conclusion
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Legislative divergence risks inappropriate EU regulations for GB production systems
Legislative divergence between the UK and EU has occurred given the EU no longer considers GB-specific scientific evidence, such as climatic conditions relevant to mycotoxin formation or the agronomic need for certain plant 34 protection products (PPPs). As such, full … Read more
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7 Recommendation
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Ensure new EU regulations for GB agriculture incorporate specific climatic and scientific data
The Government should ensure in negotiations that GB will only adopt new EU regulations on PPPs and mycotoxin limits where GB climate, growing conditions and scientific data have been fully considered in their development. It should seek assurances, as a … Read more
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8 Conclusion
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EU genomic technology framework delay undermines UK precision breeding advantage
The EU’s forthcoming new genomic technology (NGT) framework could take several years to be finalised, and waiting for alignment between the EU and UK on precision breeding would undermine England’s first-mover advantage and stall the development and release of PBOs. … Read more
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9 Recommendation
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Continue implementing Precision Breeding Act and seek exemption in EU SPS negotiations
The Government should continue implementing England’s Precision Breeding Act, actively progress regulatory procedures to bring precision bred plants to market, and seek a targeted exemption for precision breeding in negotiations with the EU on the SPS agreement. (Recommendation, Paragraph 34) … Read more
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10 Conclusion
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Sectors require sufficient time to adapt to SPS agreement regulatory changes
It is essential that sectors are given sufficient time to adapt to regulatory changes introduced by an SPS agreement. This ensures compliance without causing unnecessary disruption and reflects timeframes afforded to EU member states. (Conclusion, Paragraph 39) Read more
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11 Recommendation
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Secure a minimum 24-month implementation period for SPS agreement adjustments
The Government should secure an implementation period of at least 24 months for sectors to make necessary adjustments resulting from the SPS agreement. Once a common SPS area is established all legislative changes adopted under dynamic alignment must include a … Read more
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12 Conclusion
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Frequent border policy changes cause disruption, requiring realistic and stable timelines
Frequent border policy changes over recent years have created disruption, uncertainty and financial pressure for port health and local authorities. Stakeholders are clear that another shift in border regimes will only be manageable if timelines are realistic, communicated early, and … Read more
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13 Recommendation
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Provide and publish a clear, realistic transition timetable for common SPS area
The Government should provide a clear, realistic transition timetable for moving to a common SPS area, published with key milestones at least 12–24 months in advance. This must not be subject to repeated changes, and implementation plans should be developed … Read more
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14 Conclusion
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Ensure uninterrupted day-to-day functions amidst potential SPS negotiation failure
The Government and EU leadership broadly support reaching an SPS agreement, and it is currently feasible that the June 2027 ambition can be met. However, the Government must consider what will happen if negotiations take longer or ultimately fail, ensuring … Read more
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15 Recommendation
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Set out detailed contingency plans for SPS negotiations, ensuring continuity of core border functions
The Government should set out, in response to this report, its contingency plans for the SPS negotiations, recognising that an SPS agreement is not guaranteed. These should set out how core functions such as biosecurity, border operations, and regulatory oversight … Read more
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16 Conclusion
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No clear explanation received for addressing internal market issues from Precision Breeding Act
The Committee did not receive a clear or satisfactory explanation of how the Government intends to address UK internal market issues created by the England only Precision Breeding Act. (Conclusion, Paragraph 51)
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17 Recommendation
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Provide a clear, time-bound strategy for addressing UK internal market trade barriers
In response to this report, the Government should provide the Committee with a clear, time bound strategy for addressing market barriers to trade within the UK, including structured engagement with devolved governments and options for mutual recognition, common frameworks or … Read more
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18 Conclusion
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SPS negotiations hold significant implications for devolved administrations and internal market challenges
SPS negotiations have significant implications for the devolved administrations. While the UK Government leads negotiations, it must take account of the specific needs and priorities of each nation, including regional conditions. Internal market challenges, such as those arising from England’s … Read more
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19 Recommendation
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Ensure devolved administrations hold formal consultative positions in SPS negotiations, outlining participation mechanisms
The Government should ensure that the devolved administrations have a formal consultative position in the negotiations, and outline, in response to this report, the meetings and other mechanisms for this. The Government should also consider the UK-EU SPS agreement as … Read more
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20 Conclusion
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Committee to continue monitoring veterinary medicine access and scheme effectiveness in Northern Ireland
We will continue to monitor access to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland and scrutinise the effectiveness of both the Veterinary Medicines Internal Market Scheme and the Veterinary Medicines Health Situations Scheme. (Conclusion, Paragraph 59)
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21 Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Actively pursue a Veterinary Medicines Agreement with the EU to facilitate smoother trade
The Government should actively pursue a Veterinary Medicines Agreement with the EU in tandem with the SPS agreement to facilitate smoother trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. In its response to this report, the Government should set out its … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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22 Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
BTOM provides effective risk-based framework for UK border biosecurity, demonstrating tangible improvements
The UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) provides a risk-based framework for managing biosecurity threats at the UK border. Our scrutiny and Government action has contributed to tangible improvements in responsiveness, as demonstrated by the swift and effective action taken … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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23 Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Great Britain must retain ability to apply robust biosecurity measures against European diseases
Maintaining Great Britain’s biosecurity is vital. Britain’s geography provides natural protection from many plant and animal health threats. Any future SPS agreement will require adjustments to existing border controls, but it remains essential that GB retains the ability to apply … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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24 Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Ensure Great Britain maintains robust risk-based controls against serious plant and animal diseases
The Government must ensure that Great Britain is able to maintain risk- based controls to protect against serious plant and animal disease threats. This includes the continuation of robust import controls on plants that can host the bacterial disease caused … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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25 Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
SPS agreement lacks mechanisms to prevent criminal activity from illegal meat imports
Both the EU and the UK are exposed to biosecurity risks from illegal meat imports. Although future access to EU data systems and intelligence within a common SPS area could support British border enforcement efforts, there is nothing within an … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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26 Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Develop strategy by June 2026 to reduce demand for illegally imported animal products
Defra must not wait until SPS negotiations are concluded before developing a strategy to reduce demand for illegally imported animal products. We reiterate the recommendation made in our previous report on this topic that the Government, by June 2026, should … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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27 Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Minister's commitment to reestablish cross-ministerial working group on borders is welcomed
We welcome the Minister’s commitment to reestablish the cross-ministerial working group on borders, recognising the importance of coordinated oversight of biosecurity risks and border operations. (Conclusion, Paragraph 74)
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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28 Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Provide details of ministerial working group meetings and expand to include frontline agencies
In its response to this report, the Government should provide details on how many times the group has met since September 2025 and share minutes of its discussions. Defra should expand the ministerial working group to include an additional operational … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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29 Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Public awareness of personal import rules is overestimated and survey methods are inadequate.
Relying on the goodwill of EU travel operators to communicate personal import rules is not an acceptable approach. Defra has acknowledged that its current survey methods make it difficult to assess public awareness of personal import restrictions, and it has … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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30 Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Mandate EU transport operators inform travellers of UK personal import rules by January 2027 deadline.
Regardless of SPS negotiation timings, the Government must not delay the implementation of the requirement for EU transport operators to draw travellers’ attention to UK rules on personal imports of products of animal origin beyond 31 January 2027. (Recommendation, Paragraph … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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31 Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Publish revised methodology and survey plan for measuring public awareness of personal import rules.
Given the reliance on public awareness for compliance with rules for personal imports from the EU, the Government should ensure its measure of this is as reliable as possible. In response to this report the Government should provide us with … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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32 Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Common SPS area benefits countered by increased costs and delays for Rest of World imports.
A common UK-EU SPS area is expected to reduce administrative burdens, costs, and resource pressures at the Short Straits. However, adopting EU-style “third country” controls on Rest of World imports risks increasing checks, costs, and delays, particularly in sectors reliant … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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33 Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Evaluate SPS agreement impact on Rest of World supply chains; allow 12 months for changes.
Following an SPS agreement with the EU, the Government should set out an assessment of the agreement on Rest of World (RoW) supply chains. This should include identifying opportunities to redeploy existing infrastructure and staff and maintaining a proportionate risk … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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34 Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Lack of compensation clarity for redundant border infrastructure negatively impacts government relationships.
Local authorities and businesses have invested heavily, at the Government’s instruction, in border infrastructure that may become redundant under a new SPS regime. A lack of clarity from HM Treasury regarding compensation has had a negative impact on relationships between … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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35 Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Publish compensation position for unused border infrastructure and prevent future stranded investments.
The Government should set out how it will learn lessons from the implementation of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), including the handling of costs for unused or under used border infrastructure. It should publish its position on compensation for … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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36 Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Sevington Border Control Post will require repurposing after common SPS area established.
We expect that, together with Bastion Point, Sevington BCP will need to be repurposed following the anticipated reduction in border checks for EU goods once a common SPS area is established. (Conclusion, Paragraph 91)
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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37 Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Provide plans and cost analysis for repurposing Sevington Border Control Post within three months.
In addition to the cost-benefit analysis of repurposing Bastion Point BCP already committed to us, the Government should also provide its plans, with an associated cost analysis, for Sevington BCP following the establishment of a common SPS area, no later … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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38 Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Government resource capacity to deliver SPS agreement by 2027 deadline remains uncertain.
There is uncertainty regarding the Government’s resource capacity to deliver the extensive regulatory changes required to establish a common SPS area with the EU by the ambitious June 2027 deadline. This work is a substantial legislative and operational undertaking, which … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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39 Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Allocate increased funding, staffing, and expertise for SPS agreement and relevant food agencies.
The Government should find, allocate and disclose budgets and plans for increasing staffing, expertise, and funding to support its work on the SPS agreement and ensure timely delivery alongside other policy commitments. HM Treasury must increase the FSA’s flat budget … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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40 Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Publish plans for parliamentary scrutiny of dynamic alignment and Parliament's future role.
We believe that our remit and responsibilities make this Committee the most appropriate body for scrutiny of SPS policy. We are therefore disappointed that the Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations refused to appear before us. We echo … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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41 Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Publish detailed plans for parliamentary scrutiny of SPS agreement and assimilated EU law.
The Government should publish detailed plans for parliamentary scrutiny of the SPS agreement and any future EU legislation that would be assimilated into GB law once within a common SPS area. (Recommendation, Paragraph 102)
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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42 Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Realities of dynamic alignment and its implications remain poorly explained to the public.
While the Government has been vocal in advocating for an SPS deal and highlighting its benefits for farmers, traders, and the wider UK economy, the realities and implications of dynamic alignment have not been well explained to the public. There … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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43 Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
Set out communication plan for dynamic alignment realities to businesses and the wider public.
The Government should set out in its response to this report how it intends to communicate the realities of dynamic alignment—not only to affected businesses, farmers, producers, and industry stakeholders, but also to the wider public—explaining the benefits and challenges … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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1 Conclusion
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
Workforce pressures in the veterinary profession are no longer driven primarily by an overall shortage...
Workforce pressures in the veterinary profession are no longer driven primarily by an overall shortage of qualified individuals, but by challenges in retention, distribution and alignment with specific roles. At our evidence session at Harper Adams University, all four senior … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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2 Conclusion
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
While recruitment has stabilised and the arrival of new entrants through the pipeline has increased,...
While recruitment has stabilised and the arrival of new entrants through the pipeline has increased, significant and persistent gaps remain in public sector roles, geographically isolated practices and other “deficit areas”. High attrition rates and a “constant churn” in some … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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3 Conclusion
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
Defra should, within six months, commission a sector-wide review, working in partnership with the Royal...
Defra should, within six months, commission a sector-wide review, working in partnership with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, veterinary schools, and other major employers and representative bodies, including the British Veterinary Association, to build a robust evidence base on … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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4 Conclusion
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
The veterinary profession remains reliant on international recruitment to fill critical roles, particularly in public...
The veterinary profession remains reliant on international recruitment to fill critical roles, particularly in public health and official veterinary services. While international vets have made a vital contribution, this “learned dependency” has masked underlying weaknesses in domestic workforce planning and … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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5 Recommendation
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
The Home Office, in collaboration with Defra, should review the Skilled Worker Visa salary thresholds...
The Home Office, in collaboration with Defra, should review the Skilled Worker Visa salary thresholds for veterinary roles by early 2027 to ensure they: • reflect realistic earlycareer salary progression in the sector; • do not create barriers to recruiting … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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6 Conclusion
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
Veterinary education in the UK is of critical national importance, underpinning animal health and welfare,...
Veterinary education in the UK is of critical national importance, underpinning animal health and welfare, public health, food safety and biosecurity. UK veterinary schools are internationally revered and play a vital role in delivering a highly skilled workforce. Despite this, … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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7 Recommendation
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
The government should, within the next Spending Review, undertake a full review of funding for...
The government should, within the next Spending Review, undertake a full review of funding for veterinary education and take the recommended steps to ensure that funding levels reflect the true cost of training. This review, jointly undertaken by Defra and … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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8 Conclusion
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
While high academic standards in veterinary school admissions are justified, we are concerned that current...
While high academic standards in veterinary school admissions are justified, we are concerned that current entry routes may unintentionally exclude applicants who would excel in the profession. It takes more than academic excellence at 18 to be a good vet, … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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9 Conclusion
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
Defra and the RCVS should, within 18 months, begin work with veterinary schools to develop...
Defra and the RCVS should, within 18 months, begin work with veterinary schools to develop and implement sector wide guidance on contextual and flexible admissions. This should: • support consistent use of contextual offers and alternative access routes; • encourage … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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10 Conclusion
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
Accreditation for veterinary schools must be adaptable to match the realities of a modern veterinary...
Accreditation for veterinary schools must be adaptable to match the realities of a modern veterinary profession, allowing greater flexibility in training while maintaining high standards, so that graduates are better prepared for the evolving demands of practice. (Conclusion, Paragraph 29) Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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11 Recommendation
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
In bringing forward reforms to the 1966 Veterinary Surgeons Act, the government should ensure that...
In bringing forward reforms to the 1966 Veterinary Surgeons Act, the government should ensure that it sets out how accreditation requirements can be made more flexible and adaptable, allowing greater freedom in curriculum design. (Recommendation, Paragraph 30) 25 CMA reforms … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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12 Conclusion
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
Rising prices for veterinary services cannot be explained solely by increased operating costs or higher...
Rising prices for veterinary services cannot be explained solely by increased operating costs or higher expectations for standards of care. We agree with the CMA that market consolidation has been a major contributing factor to price increases and welcome its … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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13 Recommendation
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
The government should ensure the CMA’s remedies are fully rural proofed.
The government should ensure the CMA’s remedies are fully rural proofed. The government should instruct the CMA, in partnership with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, to establish a monitoring framework by September 2027 to coincide with the deadline for … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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14 Conclusion
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
Reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA) presents an important opportunity to modernise regulation,...
Reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA) presents an important opportunity to modernise regulation, support a more flexible workforce, and strengthen public confidence. Reform is clearly needed, but it must be carefully designed, with clear definitions of roles and … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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15 Conclusion
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
The development of Competition and Market Authority’s (CMA) remedies and Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA)...
The development of Competition and Market Authority’s (CMA) remedies and Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA) reform should be coordinated to ensure alignment, avoid duplication, and minimise unintended consequences. In response to this report, Defra should provide a clear explanation of … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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16 Recommendation
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
Defra should set out a clear delivery plan for VSA reform in response to this...
Defra should set out a clear delivery plan for VSA reform in response to this report, including estimated staff requirements, programme costs, key milestones, and an indicative legislative timetable through to implementation. This plan should also identify how engagement with … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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17 Conclusion
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
In professions such as medicine and law, regulatory functions have been separated from professional bodies,...
In professions such as medicine and law, regulatory functions have been separated from professional bodies, with oversight vested in independent regulators. Self-regulation is increasingly unsuitable for a profession where vet practices and services are coming under the ownership of corporate … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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18 Recommendation
1st Report - A sustainable veterin…
As part of reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, the government should separate the RCVS’s...
As part of reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, the government should separate the RCVS’s professional leadership role from any regulatory functions within the veterinary profession, creating a new independent body that can oversee the expanded role of a reformed … Read more
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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Correspondence 54 letters
9 Sep 2026 Correspondence to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and the Animal and Plant Health Agency regarding response to the UK Bluetongue BTV-3 outbreak, dated 8 September 2026
Parliament page
8 Sep 2026 Correspondence from the Freight Liaison Group, regarding the short straits border, EU reset and UK biosecurity risk, dated 10 August 2026
Parliament page
24 Aug 2026 Correspondence to Secretaries of State for Environment and Business regarding Brazilian beef imports
Parliament page
30 Jun 2026 Correspondence from Baroness Hayman, Minister for Animal Welfare and Biosecurity, regarding veterinary medicines, dated 22 June 2026
Parliament page
23 Jun 2026 Correspondence from Baroness Hayman, Minister for Animal Welfare and Biosecurity, regarding a survey of public awareness of rules for personal imports from the EU into GB, dated 4 June 2026
Parliament page
5 Jun 2026 Correspondence to Baroness Hayman regarding concerns about access to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland and risks around antimicrobial resistance, 4 June 2026
Parliament page
3 Jun 2026 Correspondence from Baroness Hayman on preparations for a future Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement with the European Union, dated 28 May 2026
Parliament page
19 May 2026 Correspondence from the Agricultural Engineers Association regarding Silsoe Spray Applications, dated 30 April 2026
Parliament page
28 Apr 2026 Correspondence from Association of Port Health Authorities to the Chair relating to UK-EU SPS agreement, dated 21 April 2026
Parliament page
14 Apr 2026 Correspondence from the Chair of the Animal Sentience Committee relating to the Animal Welfare Strategy, dated 23 March 2026
Parliament page
14 Apr 2026 Correspondence from the Ashford Borough Council Corporate Director for Port Health and Public Protection regarding Sevington BCP and UK-EU SPS negotiations, dated 1st April 2026
Parliament page
24 Mar 2026 Correspondence from Marsha De Cordova MP in her capacity as Leader and Co-Chair of the UK Delegation to the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly on the Seventh Plenary Session, dated 20 March 2026
Parliament page
24 Mar 2026 Correspondence from the Animal Sentience Committee regarding their two new reports on the restrictions of lead in ammunition and the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022, dated 13 March 2026
Parliament page
17 Mar 2026 Correspondence to Ashford Port Health Authority relating to non-attendance of commercial consignments at Sevington BCP, dated 17 March 2026
Parliament page
17 Mar 2026 Correspondence from the Dogs Trust regarding changes to the Companion Club, date 12 March 2026
Parliament page
17 Mar 2026 Correspondence from Baroness Hayman, Minister for Biosecurity, Borders and Animal Welfare, regarding SPS update, dated 9 March 2026
Parliament page
17 Mar 2026 Correspondence from Paul Kissack, Permanent Secretary, Defra, re update on Defra's engagement on Home Office visa concession for sheep shearers, dated 10 March 2026
Parliament page
13 Feb 2026 Correspondence from Michael Seals, Animal Sentience Committee regarding having written a letter setting out the Committee’s opinion on the impacts of definitions of animals in law, 4 February
Parliament page
28 Jan 2026 Correspondence from Baroness Hayman, Minister for Biosecurity, Borders and Animals, re Defra’s attitude tracker and its insight into awareness of rules for personal imports of meat and dairy products, dated 19 January 2026
Parliament page
28 Jan 2026 Correspondence from Baroness Hayman, Minister for Biosecurity, Borders and Animals, regarding Defra’s attitude tracker and the predicted timelines for Veterinary Surgeons Act reform (following evidence session on 9 December), dated January 2026
Parliament page
13 Jan 2026 Correspondence to the Chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee relating to the work of the Cabinet Office, dated 8 January 2026
Parliament page
13 Jan 2026 Correspondence from Ann Cuthbert regarding systemic regulatory failure in the oversight of intensive livestock operations, dated December 2025
Parliament page
13 Jan 2026 Correspondence from Michael Seals, Chair of the Animal Sentience Committee, regarding their stance on the recent policy paper: Replacing animals in science, dated 18 December 2025
Parliament page
16 Dec 2025 Correspondence to Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State following the hearing on 9 December, dated 16 December 2025
Parliament page
16 Dec 2025 Correspondence from the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland following evidence session on 21 October 2025, dated 9 December 2025
Parliament page
9 Dec 2025 Correspondence from the Freight Liaison Group (FLG) in response to the Government response on illegal meat imports and UK border resilience, dated 27 November 2025
Parliament page
18 Nov 2025 Correspondence from Lord Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, regarding an announcement on replacing animals in science, dated 11 November 2025
Parliament page
4 Nov 2025 Correspondence to the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland following the evidence session on 21 October, dated 4 November 2025
Parliament page
21 Oct 2025 Correspondence from the Animal Sentience Committee regarding its report on Dogs (Protection of Livestock)(Amendment) Bill, dated 13 October 2025
Parliament page
21 Oct 2025 Correspondence from the Animal Sentience Committee regarding its report on Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, dated 13 October 2025
Parliament page
21 Oct 2025 Correspondence from the Freight Liaison Group in response to the recently published reports into illegal meat imports and UK border resilience, dated 15 September 2025
Parliament page
21 Oct 2025 Correspondence from Seema Malhotra MP, PUSS, FCDO regarding the Introduction of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Bill, dated 10 September 2025
Parliament page
9 Sep 2025 Correspondence from Food Standards Scotland on the SPS Vet Agreement, dated 18 July 2025
Parliament page
2 Sep 2025 Correspondence from the Animal Sentience Committee regarding animal welfare labelling, dated 22 July 2025
Parliament page
8 Jul 2025 Correspondence from the Animal Sentience Committee on planning policy reform, dated 24 June 2025
Parliament page
8 Jul 2025 Correspondence from the Chair of the Food Standards Agency about Our Food 2024, dated 19 June 2025
Parliament page
18 Jun 2025 Correspondence from the Minister for Biosecurity regarding biosecurity at the border, dated 6 June 2025
Parliament page
18 Jun 2025 Correspondence from the Minister for Biosecurity regarding UK-EU SPS Agreement, dated 4 June 2025
Parliament page
10 Jun 2025 Correspondence from the Minister for Biosecurity regarding the Marking of Retail Goods Regulations 2025, dated 5 June 2025,
Parliament page
10 Jun 2025 Correspondence from the Minister for Biosecurity regarding biosecurity at the border, dated 5 June 2025
Parliament page
20 May 2025 Correspondence to the Minister for Biosecurity regarding biosecurity at the border, dated 20 May 2025
Parliament page
6 May 2025 Correspondence from the Chief Veterinary Officer and Interim Chief Executive of the APHA regarding oral evidence on 4 March, dated 2 May 2025
Parliament page
6 May 2025 Correspondence from Dover Port Health Authority regarding foot and mouth disease, dated 30 April 2025
Parliament page
1 Apr 2025 correspondence from Lucy Manzano, Head of Public Protection and Port Health, Dover Port Health Authority, regarding the Committee's visit to the Short Straits border, dated 21 March 2025
Parliament page
1 Apr 2025 Correspondence from Radoslav Stankov, Official Veterinarian, Dover Port Health Authority, regarding foot and mouth disease controls, dated 16 March 2025
Parliament page
25 Mar 2025 Correspondence from the Minister for Biosecurity, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, relating to foot and mouth disease controls and funding for Dover Port Health Authority, dated 21 March 2025
Parliament page
25 Mar 2025 Correspondence from CPC Foods relating to the ban on German pork meat imports, dated 12 March 2025
Parliament page
11 Mar 2025 Correspondence to the Minister for Biosecurity, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, relating to foot and mouth disease controls and funding for Dover Port Health Authority, dated 11 March 2025
Parliament page
4 Mar 2025 Correspondence from the Animal Sentience Committee regarding its report on legislative compliance and enforcement of animal welfare legislation, dated 25 February 2025
Parliament page
4 Mar 2025 Correspondence from the Minister for Biosecurity regarding the National Biosecurity Centre, Weybridge, dated 24 February 2025
Parliament page
4 Mar 2025 Correspondence from the Minister for Biosecurity regarding biosecurity at the border, dated 24 February 2025
Parliament page
25 Feb 2025 Correspondence from the Minister for the Future Digital Economy and Online Safety, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, regarding Government Response to the Animal Sentience Committee's Report on the Online Safety Act, dated 12 February 2025
Parliament page
11 Feb 2025 Correspondence from the Minister for Biosecurity regarding redevelopment of the Animal and Plant Health Agency Facility at Weybridge, dated January 2025
Parliament page
11 Feb 2025 Correspondence to the Minister for Biosecurity relating to biosecurity at the border, dated 11 February 2025
Parliament page