Recommendations & Conclusions
21 items
4
Conclusion
3rd report - Biosecurity at the border:…
Accepted
Defra’s ban on personal imports of most animal products from the EU, introduced in April 2025, is a welcome simplification and strengthening of the rules. However, there is not yet enough public awareness of the restrictions or the reasons for them. (Conclusion, Paragraph 28)
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Defra’s ban on personal imports of most animal products from the EU, introduced in April 2025, is a welcome simplification and strengthening of the rules. However, there is not yet enough public awareness of the restrictions or the reasons for them. (Conclusion, Paragraph 28)
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Government response AI summary
The government partially agrees with the observation on public awareness, detailing existing and ongoing communication efforts including targeted campaigns and reminder communications. They note their attitude tracker results showing high awareness and have no plans for new legislation or digital tools.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
20
Conclusion
3rd report - Biosecurity at the border:…
Accepted
Under the previous Government, there was an unacceptable breakdown of trust, communication and cooperation in the relationship between Defra and Dover Port Health Authority (DPHA) to the detriment of national biosecurity. (Conclusion, Paragraph 60)
Government response AI summary
The Government accepts the recommendation and is committed to restoring the relationship with DPHA. Defra Directors met with DPHA officials in July 2025 and have continued to engage since. Defra is in the process of transferring the agreed £3.1m to DPHA to fund operations alongside …
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
21
Recommendation
3rd report - Biosecurity at the border:…
Accepted
This Government must lead an effective, mutual restoration of that relationship, which is of strategic importance to the UK’s security and trade. (Recommendation, Paragraph 60)
Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, committing to restoring its relationship with DPHA. They have held frequent official meetings, a Minister's visit is planned, and £3.1m in agreed funding for 2025/26 operations is being transferred.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
7
Conclusion
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards a res…
Accepted
Defra maintains that a “robust” enforcement system is in operation at the Short Straits entry point. Within the context of flawed IT systems, data gaps, routine auto-clearance of goods and strained local authorities, the Committee does not share that confidence. We are particularly concerned that the absence of robust enforcement …
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Defra maintains that a “robust” enforcement system is in operation at the Short Straits entry point. Within the context of flawed IT systems, data gaps, routine auto-clearance of goods and strained local authorities, the Committee does not share that confidence. We are particularly concerned that the absence of robust enforcement mechanisms between the Short Straits and Sevington inland BCP has created vulnerabilities that may be exploited for the illegal entry of products of animal origin into Great Britain. The current system, as it stands, risks undermining the very assurances that the BTOM was intended to deliver. (Conclusion, Paragraph 15)
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Government response AI summary
The government describes its ongoing efforts to review data on non-attendance at Sevington BCP, follow up on missing vehicles, and improve data collection, stating these actions address the committee's concerns about enforcement robustness.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
23
Recommendation
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards a res…
Accepted
During the transition away from the BTOM, the Department should commit to clear timelines for decision-making, a delivery plan, and communicate changes promptly to allow businesses to plan with confidence. (Recommendation, Paragraph 40)
Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, committing to communicate clear timelines for decision-making and delivery throughout the transition from BTOM to the UK-EU SPS Agreement to help businesses plan.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
26
Recommendation
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards a res…
Accepted
Implementing the BTOM goes beyond logistics and finance; people are central to a successful, biosecure border. The welfare, dignity, and working conditions of those delivering and using a border system must be integral to its design and operation. (Conclusion, Paragraph 44) 30
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Implementing the BTOM goes beyond logistics and finance; people are central to a successful, biosecure border. The welfare, dignity, and working conditions of those delivering and using a border system must be integral to its design and operation. (Conclusion, Paragraph 44) 30
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, detailing ongoing improvements to welfare facilities and measures to reduce wait times at the Defra-run Sevington BCP, while noting employer responsibility for health and safety at other BCPs.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
27
Recommendation
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards a res…
Accepted
In its response to this Report, Defra should outline plans to reduce current wait times for hauliers at the border and outline how it intends to ensure that all drivers have 24-hour adequate welfare facilities. Any future border infrastructure and operational planning must explicitly include provisions for adequate driver facilities …
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In its response to this Report, Defra should outline plans to reduce current wait times for hauliers at the border and outline how it intends to ensure that all drivers have 24-hour adequate welfare facilities. Any future border infrastructure and operational planning must explicitly include provisions for adequate driver facilities and realistic scheduling, to mitigate the human impact of delays and disruption. (Recommendation, Paragraph 44) 31
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts this recommendation, outlining ongoing improvements to welfare facilities at Sevington BCP and actions to reduce wait times by coordinating inspections and ensuring proper documentation.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
2
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Accepted
The Government and EU should establish the scope of the SPS negotiations as a priority and publish this information on an interim basis, prior to the conclusion of negotiations, to enable effective consultation and scrutiny. (Recommendation, Paragraph 16)
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The Government and EU should establish the scope of the SPS negotiations as a priority and publish this information on an interim basis, prior to the conclusion of negotiations, to enable effective consultation and scrutiny. (Recommendation, Paragraph 16)
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Government response AI summary
The government published a list of EU legislation currently in scope of the agreement on March 9, 2026, and will update it after negotiations.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
8
Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Accepted
The EU’s forthcoming new genomic technology (NGT) framework could take several years to be finalised, and waiting for alignment between the EU and UK on precision breeding would undermine England’s first-mover advantage and stall the development and release of PBOs. (Conclusion, Paragraph 33)
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The EU’s forthcoming new genomic technology (NGT) framework could take several years to be finalised, and waiting for alignment between the EU and UK on precision breeding would undermine England’s first-mover advantage and stall the development and release of PBOs. (Conclusion, Paragraph 33)
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Government response AI summary
The government states that secondary legislation needed to implement the Genetic Technology Act 2023 commenced on 13 November 2025. The EU has accepted there will need to be areas where the UK will retain its own rules, as set out in the May 2025 Common …
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
18
Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Accepted
SPS negotiations have significant implications for the devolved administrations. While the UK Government leads negotiations, it must take account of the specific needs and priorities of each nation, including regional conditions. Internal market challenges, such as those arising from England’s precision breeding legislation, could be mitigated by a UK–EU SPS …
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SPS negotiations have significant implications for the devolved administrations. While the UK Government leads negotiations, it must take account of the specific needs and priorities of each nation, including regional conditions. Internal market challenges, such as those arising from England’s precision breeding legislation, could be mitigated by a UK–EU SPS agreement, provided alignment and carve-outs are carefully managed. (Conclusion, Paragraph 54)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, outlining various forums and groups used to engage with devolved governments on SPS agreement negotiations and implementation.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
19
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Accepted
The Government should ensure that the devolved administrations have a formal consultative position in the negotiations, and outline, in response to this report, the meetings and other mechanisms for this. The Government should also consider the UK-EU SPS agreement as an opportunity to 36 strengthen the UK internal market and …
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The Government should ensure that the devolved administrations have a formal consultative position in the negotiations, and outline, in response to this report, the meetings and other mechanisms for this. The Government should also consider the UK-EU SPS agreement as an opportunity to 36 strengthen the UK internal market and hold discussions with counterparts in the devolved administrations on the best way to do so. (Recommendation, Paragraph 55)
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Government response AI summary
The government states that it will continue working closely with devolved governments through forums like the EU Engagement Group, Animal Disease Policy Group (ADPG), the UK National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO), and the Inter-Ministerial Group on EFRA to include them in SPS negotiations.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
22
Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Accepted
The UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) provides a risk-based framework for managing biosecurity threats at the UK border. Our scrutiny and Government action has contributed to tangible improvements in responsiveness, as demonstrated by the swift and effective action taken following the detection of African Swine Fever in Spain, contrasting …
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The UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) provides a risk-based framework for managing biosecurity threats at the UK border. Our scrutiny and Government action has contributed to tangible improvements in responsiveness, as demonstrated by the swift and effective action taken following the detection of African Swine Fever in Spain, contrasting with the delays experienced during the earlier Foot and Mouth outbreak in Germany. These developments underscore the importance of retaining BTOM’s risk- based principles as the basis for action and ensuring systems and resources remain in place to deliver rapid, proportionate responses to emerging threats. (Conclusion, Paragraph 64)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation and states that an SPS agreement will mean the UK is able to work with the EU on threats, the UK will play a key role, and they will have access to EU databases.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
23
Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Accepted
Maintaining Great Britain’s biosecurity is vital. Britain’s geography provides natural protection from many plant and animal health threats. Any future SPS agreement will require adjustments to existing border controls, but it remains essential that GB retains the ability to apply robust, evidence- based measures to prevent the introduction of diseases …
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Maintaining Great Britain’s biosecurity is vital. Britain’s geography provides natural protection from many plant and animal health threats. Any future SPS agreement will require adjustments to existing border controls, but it remains essential that GB retains the ability to apply robust, evidence- based measures to prevent the introduction of diseases from Europe. (Conclusion, Paragraph 67)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation and states that an SPS agreement will mean the UK is able to work with the EU on threats, the UK will play a key role, and they will have access to EU databases.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
24
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Accepted
The Government must ensure that Great Britain is able to maintain risk- based controls to protect against serious plant and animal disease threats. This includes the continuation of robust import controls on plants that can host the bacterial disease caused by Xylella species and subspecies. (Recommendation, Paragraph 68)
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The Government must ensure that Great Britain is able to maintain risk- based controls to protect against serious plant and animal disease threats. This includes the continuation of robust import controls on plants that can host the bacterial disease caused by Xylella species and subspecies. (Recommendation, Paragraph 68)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation and states that an SPS agreement will mean the UK is able to work with the EU on threats, the UK will play a key role, and they will have access to EU databases.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
29
Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Accepted
Relying on the goodwill of EU travel operators to communicate personal import rules is not an acceptable approach. Defra has acknowledged that its current survey methods make it difficult to assess public awareness of personal import restrictions, and it has subsequently revised down its own estimates after we raised concerns …
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Relying on the goodwill of EU travel operators to communicate personal import rules is not an acceptable approach. Defra has acknowledged that its current survey methods make it difficult to assess public awareness of personal import restrictions, and it has subsequently revised down its own estimates after we raised concerns about the methodology used in its quarterly attitude tracker. Nevertheless, even the updated figure of 81% traveller awareness—reduced from the original figure of over 90%— still appears high and does not align with the Committee’s experience. (Conclusion, Paragraph 77)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the importance of travellers understanding the rules and notes that GB legislation requires international passenger transport operators to inform customers of personal import restrictions.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
30
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Accepted
Regardless of SPS negotiation timings, the Government must not delay the implementation of the requirement for EU transport operators to draw travellers’ attention to UK rules on personal imports of products of animal origin beyond 31 January 2027. (Recommendation, Paragraph 78)
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Regardless of SPS negotiation timings, the Government must not delay the implementation of the requirement for EU transport operators to draw travellers’ attention to UK rules on personal imports of products of animal origin beyond 31 January 2027. (Recommendation, Paragraph 78)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation and acknowledges the importance of travelers understanding the rules that apply to them, noting that legislation requires transport operators to draw attention to information from the competent authority.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
31
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Accepted
Given the reliance on public awareness for compliance with rules for personal imports from the EU, the Government should ensure its measure of this is as reliable as possible. In response to this report the Government should provide us with its revised methodology and survey plan for measuring public awareness …
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Given the reliance on public awareness for compliance with rules for personal imports from the EU, the Government should ensure its measure of this is as reliable as possible. In response to this report the Government should provide us with its revised methodology and survey plan for measuring public awareness of personal import rules, to ensure the approach is transparent, robust, and is capable of providing more accurate assessments. (Recommendation, Paragraph 79) 38 Border Infrastructure
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Government response AI summary
The government has contracted a research agency to conduct a twice-yearly survey in England to assess public awareness of personal import rules, with the first results expected by May 2026.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
34
Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Accepted
Local authorities and businesses have invested heavily, at the Government’s instruction, in border infrastructure that may become redundant under a new SPS regime. A lack of clarity from HM Treasury regarding compensation has had a negative impact on relationships between local authorities and Government. (Conclusion, Paragraph 87)
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Local authorities and businesses have invested heavily, at the Government’s instruction, in border infrastructure that may become redundant under a new SPS regime. A lack of clarity from HM Treasury regarding compensation has had a negative impact on relationships between local authorities and Government. (Conclusion, Paragraph 87)
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Government response AI summary
The government is engaging with port health authorities and port operators regarding impacts of SPS agreement implementation and will abide by any obligations arising from the New Burdens doctrine, and commissioned a proportionate, mixed methods evaluation of the BTOM.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
35
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Accepted
The Government should set out how it will learn lessons from the implementation of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), including the handling of costs for unused or under used border infrastructure. It should publish its position on compensation for local authorities and businesses and state how it will ensure …
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The Government should set out how it will learn lessons from the implementation of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), including the handling of costs for unused or under used border infrastructure. It should publish its position on compensation for local authorities and businesses and state how it will ensure future border policy changes avoid generating unnecessary or stranded investments. (Recommendation, Paragraph 88)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation and is engaging with port health authorities and port operators regarding impacts of SPS agreement implementation. They will use this engagement to inform an approach, abide by any obligations arising from the New Burdens doctrine, and have commissioned an evaluation …
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
42
Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Accepted
While the Government has been vocal in advocating for an SPS deal and highlighting its benefits for farmers, traders, and the wider UK economy, the realities and implications of dynamic alignment have not been well explained to the public. There is a need for fuller debate on both the benefits …
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While the Government has been vocal in advocating for an SPS deal and highlighting its benefits for farmers, traders, and the wider UK economy, the realities and implications of dynamic alignment have not been well explained to the public. There is a need for fuller debate on both the benefits and challenges of this system, including its long term implications for sovereignty and democratic processes. (Conclusion, Paragraph 105)
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Government response AI summary
The government published information on the SPS agreement asking businesses to start preparing for changes, and committed to continue to work closely with industry on negotiations and provide clear and timely information and has launched a Call for Information.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
43
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Accepted
The Government should set out in its response to this report how it intends to communicate the realities of dynamic alignment—not only to affected businesses, farmers, producers, and industry stakeholders, but also to the wider public—explaining the benefits and challenges and how this approach interacts with the UK’s democratic processes. …
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The Government should set out in its response to this report how it intends to communicate the realities of dynamic alignment—not only to affected businesses, farmers, producers, and industry stakeholders, but also to the wider public—explaining the benefits and challenges and how this approach interacts with the UK’s democratic processes. (Recommendation, Paragraph 106) 40
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Government response AI summary
The government published information on the SPS agreement asking businesses to prepare, and will publish further information, starting from May this year, along with guidance, and launched a Call for Information to hear directly from businesses about what they need.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs