Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will add veterinarians working in the UK’s agri-food sector to the shortage occupation list after the UK leaves the EU.

Defra is working closely with the Food Standards Agency, the Devolved Administrations and the veterinary sector to ensure that both the Government and veterinary businesses can continue to protect animal health and welfare, public health and food safety, and enable trade in animals and animal products. Together, we are assessing the challenges and opportunities arising from leaving the EU, with the aim of developing a flexible and skilled workforce which meets the UK’s needs for both the immediate and longer term future. The Shortage Occupation List is based on expert advice to the Home Office from the independent Migration Advisory Committee and is reviewed regularly.