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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of issuing Northern Ireland-specific operational guidance close to the end of the grace period on the ability of veterinary practices and Suitably Qualified Persons in Northern Ireland to prepare for changes to the supply of veterinary medicines from 1 January 2026.

Guidance was issued in a timely manner; it was first published in June and updated in October and November. Updated guidance included specific references to vets and Suitably Qualified Persons. The updated guidance and new supporting explainer were developed in direct collaboration with the British Veterinary Association, The Northern Ireland Veterinary Associations and the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland. The Animal Health Distribution Association were also sighted on the updated guidance and asked for feedback.