19
Accepted
Ensure devolved administrations hold formal consultative positions in SPS negotiations, outlining participation mechanisms
Recommendation
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 an opportunity to 36 strengthen the UK internal market and hold discussions with counterparts in the devolved administrations on the best way to do so. (Recommendation, Paragraph 55)
Government Response Summary
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.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government accepts this recommendation. Our approach to EU relations will always respect the role of the devolved governments and legislatures. We are working closely with colleagues in the devolved governments to achieve this. Defra officials regularly engage the devolved governments on the negotiations and implementation of the SPS agreement, including via the monthly EU Engagement Group forums and briefings for each negotiation round with the EU and a similar forum on legislation. The Animal Disease Policy Group (ADPG) provides the UK wide policy forum where SPS agreement strategy and implementation is considered from a biosecurity perspective. ADPG has an important role in making sure policies are consistent across the 4 administrations. Membership includes the 4 CVOs from across the UK and other representatives from the four administrations, and public health bodies. The UK National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) fills this role on the plant health side. Membership includes the four Chief Plant Health Officers from across the UK and Forestry Commission. The Inter-Ministerial Group on EFRA is the key ministerial forum for engagement between the four governments on EFRA issues, ensuring devolved government priorities are heard and accounted for in UK-wide decision-making. The UK-EU SPS agreement is a standing agenda item in this forum. This is not an exhaustive list of the forums through which we engage, given the breadth of bilateral relationships held between teams.
Source
Inquiry
Animal and plant health
Report
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an SPS agreement work
05 Feb 2026
HC 1661
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.3 yrs
Report published
05 Feb 2026