New Lords inquiry into veterinary medicines and the Windsor Framework
The Sub-Committee on the Windsor Framework launches a new inquiry examining the outstanding issues in relation to veterinary medicines in the context of the Windsor Framework. At its first oral evidence session, the Committee will question witnesses from academia, the pharmaceutical industry and the veterinary profession.
Meeting details
Background
In its July 2023 Windsor Framework report, the Sub-Committee urged the UK and the EU “..to engage urgently with industry stakeholders to agree a sustainable and mutually agreed solution that protects both the supply of veterinary medicines from the UK and Northern Ireland’s access to the EU Single Market for goods, at the same time protecting complex supply chains between Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Ireland.” Whilst the grace period arrangements for continuing movement of veterinary medicines into Northern Ireland until 31 December 2025 has been welcomed, it has been reported that failure to reach a permanent solution could mean Northern Ireland lose access to 51% of the veterinary medicines it currently receives, affecting all sectors—farm, equine, pigs, poultry and pets—with significant implications for animal health and welfare, public health, trade and the agricultural economy.
In a new public inquiry, the Committee will examine this issue in further detail, hearing evidence from academics, veterinary professionals, trade associations, pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, farming organisations, and the government over the coming weeks.
There will be no public call for evidence for this short inquiry but anyone wishing to submit written evidence should contact the Secretariat on hlwindsorframework@parliament.uk
Possible questions include:
- What are the main outstanding issues in relation to veterinary medicines in the context of the Windsor Framework?
- In the absence of any alternative agreed solution, what will the impact on the supply of veterinary medicines from Great Britain to Northern Ireland be if the current grace period for ends on 31 December 2025?
- What will the wider impacts be on Northern Ireland, including its agri-food sector, if the supply of veterinary medicines is disrupted?
- In the event that no mutually agreed solution is reached, how would you assess the risks to food supply chains on the island of Ireland and to Northern Ireland’s access to the EU Single Market for goods?
- What, in your view, would solve the problem of veterinary medicine supply to Northern Ireland?
- What role could a UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement play in finding a solution to the issue of veterinary medicines? What do you believe are the prospects for such an agreement?
- Are you aware of any efforts to date, by either the UK Government or the European Union, to address the issues relating to veterinary medicines?
- How much engagement has there been between the UK Government and the EU and sectors affected by this issue? Has this been sufficient, in your view?
- What should be the role of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly in monitoring and administering the implementation of an agreement on veterinary medicines?
Further information