22
Accepted in Part
Insufficient DPHA operational coverage and defunded vets undermine biosecurity at Dover.
Recommendation
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 at the Port of Dover is counterintuitive to its ambition of a biosecure border. (Conclusion, Paragraph 61) 38
Government Response Summary
Defra and DPHA have resolved the immediate issue relating to the use of official veterinarians and Defra is content that DPHA should be able to determine how best to staff the service they provide. Defra is in active and positive discussions with DPHA regarding the provision of funding for financial year 2026/27, including consideration of an increase in funding beyond current levels.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
Port health authorities already have enforcement powers under the Trade in Animals and Related Products Regulations (2011). As explained, we are currently not planning to extend these powers and the funding that is being provided to DPHA is in recognition of the unique circumstances at the Port of Dover. The Government partially accepts this recommendation. Defra and DPHA have resolved the immediate issue relating to the use of official veterinarians and Defra is content that DPHA should be able to determine how best to staff the service they provide, given their unique understanding of the availability of suitable staff locally. Defra is in active and positive discussions with DPHA regarding the provision of funding for financial year 2026/27, including consideration of an increase in funding beyond current levels in line with requests from the PHA. However, the Government cannot commit to a particular level of funding for future years in this response. Similarly, we cannot commit to an unbudgeted and immediate increase in DPHA funding for this financial year.
Source
Inquiry
Animal and plant health
Report
3rd report - Biosecurity at the border: Britain's illegal meat crisis
08 Sep 2025
HC 1296
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.7 yr
Report published
08 Sep 2025