Animal and plant health

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
58 Recommendations
37 Conclusions
3 Reports
7 Oral sessions
47 Letters
7 Events
Activity timeline 67 events
19 May
2026
Correspondence
28 Apr
2026
Correspondence
17 Apr
2026
Report published
14 Apr
2026
Correspondence
14 Apr
2026
Correspondence
24 Mar
2026
Correspondence
24 Mar
2026
Correspondence
17 Mar
2026
Oral evidence
17 Mar
2026
Correspondence
17 Mar
2026
Correspondence
17 Mar
2026
Correspondence
17 Mar
2026
Correspondence
Oral evidence sessions 7 sessions
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
21 results
Clear
4 Conclusion Accepted
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
Government Response
The government partially agrees with the observation on public awareness, detailing existing and ongoing communication efforts including targeted campaigns and reminder communications. They note their attitude tracker results showing high awareness and have no plans for new legislation or digital tools.
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20 Conclusion Accepted
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)
Government Response
The Government accepts the recommendation and is committed to restoring the relationship with DPHA. Defra Directors met with DPHA officials in July 2025 and have continued to engage since. Defra is in the process of transferring the agreed £3.1m to DPHA to fund operations alongside Border Force for the financial year 2025/26.
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21 Recommendation Accepted
3rd report - Biosecurity at the bo…
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)
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, committing to restoring its relationship with DPHA. They have held frequent official meetings, a Minister's visit is planned, and £3.1m in agreed funding for 2025/26 operations is being transferred.
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7 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards …
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
Government Response
The government describes its ongoing efforts to review data on non-attendance at Sevington BCP, follow up on missing vehicles, and improve data collection, stating these actions address the committee's concerns about enforcement robustness.
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23 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards …
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)
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, committing to communicate clear timelines for decision-making and delivery throughout the transition from BTOM to the UK-EU SPS Agreement to help businesses plan.
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26 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards …
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
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, detailing ongoing improvements to welfare facilities and measures to reduce wait times at the Defra-run Sevington BCP, while noting employer responsibility for health and safety at other BCPs.
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27 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards …
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
Government Response
The government accepts this recommendation, outlining ongoing improvements to welfare facilities at Sevington BCP and actions to reduce wait times by coordinating inspections and ensuring proper documentation.
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2 Recommendation Accepted
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
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
Government Response
The government published a list of EU legislation currently in scope of the agreement on March 9, 2026, and will update it after negotiations.
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8 Conclusion Accepted
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
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
Government Response
The government states that secondary legislation needed to implement the Genetic Technology Act 2023 commenced on 13 November 2025. The EU has accepted there will need to be areas where the UK will retain its own rules, as set out in the May 2025 Common Understanding.
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18 Conclusion Accepted
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
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
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, outlining various forums and groups used to engage with devolved governments on SPS agreement negotiations and implementation.
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19 Recommendation Accepted
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: maki…
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
Government Response
The government states that it will continue working closely with devolved governments through forums like the EU Engagement Group, Animal Disease Policy Group (ADPG), the UK National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO), and the Inter-Ministerial Group on EFRA to include them in SPS negotiations.
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22 Conclusion Accepted
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
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation and states that an SPS agreement will mean the UK is able to work with the EU on threats, the UK will play a key role, and they will have access to EU databases.
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23 Conclusion Accepted
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
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation and states that an SPS agreement will mean the UK is able to work with the EU on threats, the UK will play a key role, and they will have access to EU databases.
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24 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation and states that an SPS agreement will mean the UK is able to work with the EU on threats, the UK will play a key role, and they will have access to EU databases.
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29 Conclusion Accepted
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
Government Response
The government accepts the importance of travellers understanding the rules and notes that GB legislation requires international passenger transport operators to inform customers of personal import restrictions.
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30 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation and acknowledges the importance of travelers understanding the rules that apply to them, noting that legislation requires transport operators to draw attention to information from the competent authority.
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31 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government has contracted a research agency to conduct a twice-yearly survey in England to assess public awareness of personal import rules, with the first results expected by May 2026.
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34 Conclusion Accepted
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
Government Response
The government is engaging with port health authorities and port operators regarding impacts of SPS agreement implementation and will abide by any obligations arising from the New Burdens doctrine, and commissioned a proportionate, mixed methods evaluation of the BTOM.
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35 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation and is engaging with port health authorities and port operators regarding impacts of SPS agreement implementation. They will use this engagement to inform an approach, abide by any obligations arising from the New Burdens doctrine, and have commissioned an evaluation of the BTOM.
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42 Conclusion Accepted
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
Government Response
The government published information on the SPS agreement asking businesses to start preparing for changes, and committed to continue to work closely with industry on negotiations and provide clear and timely information and has launched a Call for Information.
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43 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government published information on the SPS agreement asking businesses to prepare, and will publish further information, starting from May this year, along with guidance, and launched a Call for Information to hear directly from businesses about what they need.
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Government Response AI assessment · 95 of 58 classified
Accepted 21
Accepted in Part 31
Acknowledged 28
Deferred 5
Rejected 10
Total 58 recs + 37 conclusions
Correspondence 47 letters
19 May 2026 Correspondence from the Agricultural Engineers Association regarding Silsoe Spray Applications, dated 30 April 2026
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28 Apr 2026 Correspondence from Association of Port Health Authorities to the Chair relating to UK-EU SPS agreement, dated 21 April 2026
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14 Apr 2026 Correspondence from the Chair of the Animal Sentience Committee relating to the Animal Welfare Strategy, dated 23 March 2026
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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
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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
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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
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17 Mar 2026 Correspondence from the Dogs Trust regarding changes to the Companion Club, date 12 March 2026
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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
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17 Mar 2026 Correspondence from Baroness Hayman, Minister for Biosecurity, Borders and Animal Welfare, regarding SPS update, dated 9 March 2026
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17 Mar 2026 Correspondence to Ashford Port Health Authority relating to non-attendance of commercial consignments at Sevington BCP, dated 17 March 2026
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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
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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
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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
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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
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13 Jan 2026 Correspondence from Ann Cuthbert regarding systemic regulatory failure in the oversight of intensive livestock operations, dated December 2025
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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
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16 Dec 2025 Correspondence from the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland following evidence session on 21 October 2025, dated 9 December 2025
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16 Dec 2025 Correspondence to Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State following the hearing on 9 December, dated 16 December 2025
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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
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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
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4 Nov 2025 Correspondence to the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland following the evidence session on 21 October, dated 4 November 2025
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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
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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
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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
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21 Oct 2025 Correspondence from the Animal Sentience Committee regarding its report on Dogs (Protection of Livestock)(Amendment) Bill, dated 13 October 2025
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9 Sep 2025 Correspondence from Food Standards Scotland on the SPS Vet Agreement, dated 18 July 2025
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2 Sep 2025 Correspondence from the Animal Sentience Committee regarding animal welfare labelling, dated 22 July 2025
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8 Jul 2025 Correspondence from the Chair of the Food Standards Agency about Our Food 2024, dated 19 June 2025
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8 Jul 2025 Correspondence from the Animal Sentience Committee on planning policy reform, dated 24 June 2025
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18 Jun 2025 Correspondence from the Minister for Biosecurity regarding biosecurity at the border, dated 6 June 2025
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18 Jun 2025 Correspondence from the Minister for Biosecurity regarding UK-EU SPS Agreement, dated 4 June 2025
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10 Jun 2025 Correspondence from the Minister for Biosecurity regarding the Marking of Retail Goods Regulations 2025, dated 5 June 2025,
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10 Jun 2025 Correspondence from the Minister for Biosecurity regarding biosecurity at the border, dated 5 June 2025
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20 May 2025 Correspondence to the Minister for Biosecurity regarding biosecurity at the border, dated 20 May 2025
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6 May 2025 Correspondence from Dover Port Health Authority regarding foot and mouth disease, dated 30 April 2025
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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
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1 Apr 2025 Correspondence from Radoslav Stankov, Official Veterinarian, Dover Port Health Authority, regarding foot and mouth disease controls, dated 16 March 2025
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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
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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
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25 Mar 2025 Correspondence from CPC Foods relating to the ban on German pork meat imports, dated 12 March 2025
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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
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4 Mar 2025 Correspondence from the Minister for Biosecurity regarding the National Biosecurity Centre, Weybridge, dated 24 February 2025
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4 Mar 2025 Correspondence from the Minister for Biosecurity regarding biosecurity at the border, dated 24 February 2025
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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
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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
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11 Feb 2025 Correspondence to the Minister for Biosecurity relating to biosecurity at the border, dated 11 February 2025
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11 Feb 2025 Correspondence from the Minister for Biosecurity regarding redevelopment of the Animal and Plant Health Agency Facility at Weybridge, dated January 2025
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