Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Robin Swann Excerpts
Wednesday 19th November 2025

(1 day, 11 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Hilary Benn Portrait Hilary Benn
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I agree with my hon. Friend. The partnership agreement reached with the EU back in May was widely welcomed in Northern Ireland, particularly by those in the agrifood sector, because as we take that forward and turn it into a full sanitary and phytosanitary agreement, it will bring enormous benefits to firms that are moving those products across the Irish sea from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

Robin Swann Portrait Robin Swann (South Antrim) (UUP)
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Come 1 January, veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland will be reduced by 40%, according to suppliers over there. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that veterinary medicines are supplied to Northern Ireland? They ensure animal health but are linked to human health as well.

Hilary Benn Portrait Hilary Benn
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The hon. Gentleman will be aware that we have the veterinary medicines working group, and we have been working very closely with the industry. We have set out two schemes, the veterinary medicines health situation scheme and the veterinary medicines internal market scheme. Drawing on the cascade, we are confident that we will ensure the continued supply of veterinary medicines from 1 January to vets, farmers and others who need them.