Recommendations & Conclusions
28 items
1
Conclusion
3rd report - Biosecurity at the border:…
Acknowledged
Animal disease threats like foot and mouth disease and African swine fever are a national security issue and must be understood as such across Government. Although it is not possible to prevent all contaminated animal products entering Great Britain, the Government must take all possible steps to reduce the risk …
Government response. The Government shares the Committee’s concerns about illegal imports of meat and dairy products into England and the potential risks posed to animal health and food safety and is working closely with the Home Office and the Food Standards Agency …
2
Conclusion
3rd report - Biosecurity at the border:…
Acknowledged
Consumers deserve confidence that the food they are buying is safe and meets high welfare standards, and British farmers should not be undercut by cheap, poor quality animal products. We need to understand more about the nature and scale of illegal imports of animal products, and their destinations in Great …
Government response. The government agrees on the importance of assessing illegal import risks and improving data transparency, noting that current data is fragmented. They are working with agencies to understand seizure data and improve its capture and sharing, but do not commit …
8
Conclusion
3rd report - Biosecurity at the border:…
Acknowledged
Demand for cheap meat and culturally preferred products is fuelling the influx of illegal imports to Great Britain. (Conclusion, Paragraph 30)
Government response. The government notes the conclusion regarding demand for cheap and culturally preferred products fueling illegal imports but believes demand-side factors are not fully understood. They refer to past and ongoing communications campaigns related to import restrictions.
9
Recommendation
3rd report - Biosecurity at the border:…
Acknowledged
Defra should work with the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland to design a strategy to reduce demand for illegally imported products. Defra must further consider how to engage with Eastern European communities in Great Britain to raise awareness of animal disease risks and controls. (Recommendation, Paragraph 30) Inter-agency …
Government response. The government acknowledges the importance of reducing demand for illegally imported products but states demand-side factors are not fully understood, prioritizing other immediate issues. They mention past and ongoing communication campaigns related to import restrictions, but do not commit to …
10
Conclusion
3rd report - Biosecurity at the border:…
Acknowledged
The Committee supports the Government’s commitment to “do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot and mouth”. The Committee welcomes efforts made so far, but concludes that there is more that Defra 36 could and should be doing to prevent animal diseases like foot and mouth and African …
Government response. The Government shares the Committee’s concerns about illegal imports of meat and dairy products and the risks posed to animal health and food safety. Defra is working with the Home Office and the Food Standards Agency to tackle this issue, …
18
Conclusion
3rd report - Biosecurity at the border:…
Acknowledged
There is currently no effective deterrent to meat smuggling and smugglers are operating with impunity as a result. Defra’s proposal to crush vans carrying illegal imports is not a silver bullet for this issue and may be challenging to practically implement at the border. (Conclusion, Paragraph 46)
Government response. Defra encourages enforcement authorities to utilize the current suite of sanctions available for repeat offenders and egregious breaches, as far as it is practicable to do so. The government does not agree that a Defra-led plan for fining and prosecution …
1
Conclusion
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards a res…
Acknowledged
While assessments of the effectiveness of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) in safeguarding UK biosecurity vary, and regardless of whether full or partial implementation would be sufficient in principle, Defra and the relevant authorities have not fulfilled their responsibilities under the BTOM in practice. As such, the question of …
Government response. The government agrees that a robust, risk-based regime is essential for safeguarding biosecurity through the BTOM and shares context on how the implemented regime supports this. They balance transparency with commercial sensitivity and operational confidentiality and cannot commit to a …
3
Conclusion
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards a res…
Acknowledged
Varying inspection rates at different ports of entry has created a system that can be gamed by those seeking to dodge costs or import illegal goods and may even introduce “temptation” for legitimate importers who witness their consignments auto-clear important processes. (Conclusion, Paragraph 10) 25
Government response. The government acknowledges the principle of investigating and addressing non-compliance, referencing existing enforcement actions and a commitment to improve data and develop strategies to tackle non-compliance trends, but it does not propose a specific review to address varying inspection rates.
5
Conclusion
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards a res…
Acknowledged
There is a critical need for greater transparency and accuracy in the modelling and implementation of SPS controls. A failure to publish risk assessments and data informing inspection rates, limits scrutiny and undermines trust in the system. Addressing these issues through open publication and review of underlying models will support …
Government response. The government agrees that transparency in risk-based assessment models is beneficial and outlines its existing SPS control regime, but it does not commit to new specific actions regarding the open publication or review of underlying models and data.
6
Recommendation
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards a res…
Acknowledged
Defra should, in response to this Report, provide us with the risk-based assessment models and underlying data used to determine SPS inspection rates. Publicly available models will enhance transparency, allow for independent scrutiny, and help rebuild stakeholder confidence in the integrity of border biosecurity measures. (Recommendation, Paragraph 11)
Government response. The government agrees that transparency is beneficial and outlines its risk-based regime for SPS controls, describing the factors used in risk categorisation, but does not commit to providing the specific assessment models and underlying data as requested.
9
Conclusion
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards a res…
Acknowledged
Throughout our inquiry, we heard repeated and serious concerns about the functionality, integration, and reliability of the IT systems underpinning the UK’s border biosecurity regime. As enforcement relies on data, these concerns raise fundamental questions about the Government’s ability to deliver on its commitments under the BTOM. We welcome the …
Government response. The government acknowledges concerns about the functionality, integration, and reliability of IT systems underpinning the UK's border biosecurity regime. They welcome efforts to review data recording and analysis within port health authority and Defra IT systems.
16
Conclusion
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards a res…
Acknowledged
There is a need to learn from the cost overruns and delays associated with developing new digital systems such as the Single Trade Window. While an SPS deal with the EU may ease administrative burdens, the UK’s global trade requires a fully functioning Single Trade Window to deliver the necessary …
Government response. The government reiterates its commitment to the Single Trade Window, which aligns with the committee's observation of its importance, but does not directly address the specific point about learning from past cost overruns and delays in system development.
18
Recommendation
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards a res…
Acknowledged
Border control posts recover costs whilst operating as the least-cost, high-efficiency solution for border checks. Industry trust in the Common User Charge has been undermined by a perceived lack of transparency in cost recovery processes and concerns over the widespread use of auto-clearance. Many stakeholders feel they are not receiving …
Government response. The government acknowledges industry concerns regarding the Common User Charge, explaining its cost recovery model and transparent publication of operating costs, and notes that an annual review of the charge is ongoing.
22
Recommendation
4th Report - UK-EU trade: towards a res…
Acknowledged
Future border policy development must include structured, transparent, and iterative consultation with stakeholders from the outset to ensure policies are workable and informed by the sector. (Conclusion, Paragraph 40)
Government response. The government accepts the recommendation, agreeing on the vitality of communicating timelines for decision-making and delivery during the BTOM to UK-EU SPS Agreement transition, and will communicate with industry after negotiations begin, but does not detail a process for structured, …
1
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Acknowledged
The Government must urgently clarify whether on-farm animal welfare and labelling will be included in negotiations with the EU of an SPS agreement so it can properly develop any future legislative changes, prepare industry for reforms and so those changes can be properly scrutinised. (Conclusion, Paragraph 15)
Government response. The EU has accepted there will need to be areas where the UK will retain its own rules, subject to ongoing negotiation, and that the UK has been clear about the importance of setting high animal welfare standards.
3
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Acknowledged
The Government must not allow UK farmers and food producers to be undercut by cheaper imports produced to lower welfare standards, in line with its repeated commitments to not lower food standards and uphold high animal welfare standards in trade agreements. This risk is heightened by the proposals to raise …
Government response. The government states that it shares the public’s high regard for environmental protections, food standards and animal welfare, and will uphold high animal welfare standards, championing the importance of high standards globally while working with international partners.
4
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Acknowledged
The UK Government should seek specific exemptions from dynamic alignment with the EU on animal welfare standards. (Recommendation, Paragraph 20)
Government response. The EU has accepted there will need to be areas where the UK will retain its own rules, subject to ongoing negotiation, and that the UK has been clear about the importance of setting high animal welfare standards.
5
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Acknowledged
The Government must prevent UK food producers from being undercut by EU imports produced to lower animal welfare standards within a future common SPS area. In its response to this report, the Government should set out the practical measures it will take to protect producers. (Recommendation, Paragraph 21)
Government response. The government states it shares the public’s high regard for UK standards, will not lower food standards or animal welfare, and will continue to champion high standards and promote best practice globally, but does not commit to specific measures to …
6
Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Acknowledged
Legislative divergence between the UK and EU has occurred given the EU no longer considers GB-specific scientific evidence, such as climatic conditions relevant to mycotoxin formation or the agronomic need for certain plant 34 protection products (PPPs). As such, full adoption of EU rules in this area would risk embedding …
Government response. The government states that the Common Understanding is clear that the European Commission should consult the UK at an early stage and the UK will contribute to decision-shaping for areas in scope, providing the foundation for GB scientific evidence to …
7
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Acknowledged
The Government should ensure in negotiations that GB will only adopt new EU regulations on PPPs and mycotoxin limits where GB climate, growing conditions and scientific data have been fully considered in their development. It should seek assurances, as a core requirement of any SPS framework, that GB scientific evidence, …
Government response. The government acknowledges the importance of ensuring the SPS Agreement delivers positive outcomes and safeguards standards, stating that the UK will contribute to decision-shaping and UK scientific evidence can be incorporated into decisions affecting UK agriculture.
9
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Acknowledged
The Government should continue implementing England’s Precision Breeding Act, actively progress regulatory procedures to bring precision bred plants to market, and seek a targeted exemption for precision breeding in negotiations with the EU on the SPS agreement. (Recommendation, Paragraph 34) Implementation timeline
Government response. The government notes secondary legislation for the Precision Breeding Act commenced on 13 November 2025 and claims the EU has accepted the UK will retain its own rules in certain areas, but details will be published after negotiations.
10
Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Acknowledged
It is essential that sectors are given sufficient time to adapt to regulatory changes introduced by an SPS agreement. This ensures compliance without causing unnecessary disruption and reflects timeframes afforded to EU member states. (Conclusion, Paragraph 39)
Government response. The government says it intends the agreement to take effect in mid-2027, and that they will continue to work with businesses to ensure a smooth transition.
11
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Acknowledged
The Government should secure an implementation period of at least 24 months for sectors to make necessary adjustments resulting from the SPS agreement. Once a common SPS area is established all legislative changes adopted under dynamic alignment must include a mechanism to manage transitions similar to that afforded to EU …
Government response. The government states it intends for the agreement to take effect in mid-2027, acknowledging concerns about businesses adjusting to new arrangements and stating they will continue to work with them to ensure a smooth transition.
20
Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Acknowledged
We will continue to monitor access to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland and scrutinise the effectiveness of both the Veterinary Medicines Internal Market Scheme and the Veterinary Medicines Health Situations Scheme. (Conclusion, Paragraph 59)
Government response. The government acknowledges the committee's continued monitoring of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland and states that no significant issues have been reported, and medicines supply remains stable.
21
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Acknowledged
The Government should actively pursue a Veterinary Medicines Agreement with the EU in tandem with the SPS agreement to facilitate smoother trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. In its response to this report, the Government should set out its priorities and timeline for such an agreement. (Recommendation, Paragraph 60) …
Government response. The government states that medicines supply remains stable and that it will continue to monitor the situation closely while also being open to working with the EU and other international trading partners on the regulation of veterinary medicines. The government …
38
Conclusion
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Acknowledged
There is uncertainty regarding the Government’s resource capacity to deliver the extensive regulatory changes required to establish a common SPS area with the EU by the ambitious June 2027 deadline. This work is a substantial legislative and operational undertaking, which must be achieved while simultaneously fulfilling commitments under major policy …
Government response. HMT and the FSA will keep budgets under review in the usual way, and any adjustments would be confirmed at relevant Main or Supplementary Estimates.
39
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Acknowledged
The Government should find, allocate and disclose budgets and plans for increasing staffing, expertise, and funding to support its work on the SPS agreement and ensure timely delivery alongside other policy commitments. HM Treasury must increase the FSA’s flat budget settlement to reflect the additional operational demands being placed on …
Government response. HMT and the FSA will keep budgets under review in the usual way, with any adjustments confirmed at relevant Estimates.
41
Recommendation
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an…
Acknowledged
The Government should publish detailed plans for parliamentary scrutiny of the SPS agreement and any future EU legislation that would be assimilated into GB law once within a common SPS area. (Recommendation, Paragraph 102)
Government response. The Minister for the Cabinet Office intends to bring forward primary legislation which will allow Defra to implement the SPS Agreement, and that Parliament will rightly have a say in the process.