The Government agrees that it is important to assess the risk posed by illegal imports of meat and dairy products, and with the need for greater clarity and transparency of data on seizures of illegally imported meat and dairy products, both at the border and inland. In January 2004, the Veterinary Laboratories Agency published a ‘Risk assessment for the import of contaminated meat and meat products into Great Britain and the Subsequent Exposure of GB Livestock’.1 This study had two principal aims: (i) To estimate the annual probability, and thus frequency, that the illegal importation of meat from outside the EU would result in infection with African Swine Fever, Classical Swine Fever, Foot and Mouth Disease, and Swine Vesicular Disease in British livestock population; and (ii) To investigate the contribution of a number of factors to the final estimates of risk, including origin of product, route of entry, and intended usage in Great Britain. At that time the EU was smaller, comprising fifteen member states, including the UK. The risk assessment defined illegal imports (from outside the EU) as those not properly declared at border inspection posts. The risk assessment did not consider transhipment of products via other EU member states. Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency currently undertake rapid assessments of the likelihood of outbreaks of livestock diseases, including Foot and Mouth Disease and Swine Fever, in both EU and non-EU countries infecting British livestock .These assessments, which reflect available information and assumptions about illegal imports of meat and dairy products, are published at www.gov.uk/government/collections/animal-diseases-international-monitoring. They are undertaken as soon as we are notified of a change in a country’s disease status. Given that Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency are already assessing the risk of illegal imports resulting in disease in British livestock, the Government does not agree that it is necessary to commission an updated version of the 2004 study. The Animal and Plant Health Agency is conducting an expert knowledge elicitation that will inform a risk assessment project with a view to improving estimates of illegal meat imports but is not repeating the 2004 study. It aims to publish details of the new expert knowledge elicitation approach in early 2026 with data analysis to follow at the end of 2026. Additionally, the Food Standards Agency routinely analyse available data and intelligence to assess commercial non-compliance and identify opportunities for joint enforcement and disruption activities. We agree that the data landscape for illegally imported products is currently fragmented, with information held between Border Force, port health authorities and local authorities. The Government agrees that addressing this is important in understanding the full extent of the risk posed by illegal imports. As set out later in this report, we are working closely with the relevant agencies to develop a better understanding of the seizure data available now, and to consider what practical improvements can be made in both data capture and the way in which this information is shared between relevant agencies. We recognise the coordinating and supporting role that Defra should play in ensuring that there is transparency regarding seizure data across the relevant agencies and that this is used to better analyse and understand risk for our collective benefit. Enabling and ensuring that this is happening in practice within the system is our immediate priority. We do not commit at this point to regular publication.