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

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to consult the veterinary profession before any changes are made to meet veterinary workforce capacity that could impact on the UK’s ability to trade animals and animal products in line with high welfare standards; and if so, when.

Defra is working closely with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and other partners to ensure that there are sufficient numbers of veterinarians to fill essential roles in Government and the private sector after the UK has left the EU. Defra welcomes the continued and valuable input made by the RCVS and BVA into this important work.