Veterinary Medicines: Northern Ireland Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Rosena Allin-Khan
Main Page: Rosena Allin-Khan (Labour - Tooting)Department Debates - View all Rosena Allin-Khan's debates with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Veterinary Medicines: Northern Ireland
Rosena Allin-Khan Excerpts(1 day, 6 hours ago)
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Dr Rosena Allin-Khan (in the Chair)
I will call Robin Swann to move the motion. I will then call the Minister to respond. I remind other Members that they may make a speech only with prior permission from the Member in charge of the debate and the Minister. There will not be an opportunity for the Member in charge to wind up, as is the convention for 30-minute debates.
Robin Swann (South Antrim) (UUP)
I beg to move,
That this House has considered the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland.
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Dr Allin-Khan. Before I begin, I direct Members to my entry in the register of interests.
As we approach the end of the year, Northern Ireland’s farming, veterinary and animal welfare sectors are facing a potential crisis that can no longer be ignored. On 31 December, the veterinary medicines grace period is due to end. Without a clear, workable plan from Government, the supply of hundreds of essential veterinary medicines is set to be disrupted. Last Friday, my party colleague, Robbie Butler, the chair of the Northern Ireland agricultural committee, met with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Minister, Baroness Hayman, to press the urgency of securing a long-term solution.