Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
First Report - Moving animals across borders
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
HC 79
Published 30 September 2021
Government response
Fifth Special Report - Moving animals across borders: Government Response to the Committee’s First Report of Session 2021–22 · published 16 Dec 2021
Recommendations & Conclusions
18
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Para 50
The Government should work with the EU to formulate an agreement on ‘high health status’...
Recommendation
The Government should work with the EU to formulate an agreement on ‘high health status’ horses as quickly as possible. This agreement should be based on a system which is digital by design and easy to use. The Government should …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the benefits and will explore flexibility and continue to work towards a satisfactory solution for streamlining equine movements with the EU, despite the EU's current stance on third-country rules.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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29
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 88
The Committee welcomes the agreement between the Government and the Commission on residency requirements and...
Conclusion
The Committee welcomes the agreement between the Government and the Commission on residency requirements and ear tagging.
Government Response Summary
The government confirms an agreement with the EU on livestock residency requirements for movements between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. However, livestock identification (ear tagging) remains an outstanding issue, and the UK is continuing to work with the EU to find a solution.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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36
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 109
Supporting and bolstering the UK abattoirs network will benefit our food security and protect animal...
Conclusion
Supporting and bolstering the UK abattoirs network will benefit our food security and protect animal welfare. There is a direct link between the Government’s current policy of limiting journey times between the farm and abattoirs, and the need for a …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the important role of small abattoirs and their benefits to animal welfare, committing to work closely with industry and exploring future support through initiatives like the 'Adding Value' theme of the new Farming Investment Fund.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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37
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Para 109
Defra should take action to protect small and medium abattoirs as a national strategic asset.
Recommendation
Defra should take action to protect small and medium abattoirs as a national strategic asset. These businesses should be supported and bolstered through the Future Farming Resilience Fund. Defra should set out and enact its approach to funding the UK …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the important role of small abattoirs and is exploring future support for the sector, such as through the 'Adding Value' theme of the new Farming Investment Fund, but does not set out a specific plan or enactment approach within six months.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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38
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 110
Heavy handed regulations can overburden small and medium abattoirs, preventing them from being successful commercial...
Conclusion
Heavy handed regulations can overburden small and medium abattoirs, preventing them from being successful commercial enterprises.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the issue, detailing ongoing work through the Small Abattoirs Working Group, including a pilot project with the FSA to streamline administrative burdens. It is also exploring future support for the sector through the 'Adding Value' theme of the new Farming Investment Fund.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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40
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 111
The Government’s proposals on ‘Improvements to animal welfare in Transport’ are well-meaning but flawed.
Conclusion
The Government’s proposals on ‘Improvements to animal welfare in Transport’ are well-meaning but flawed. They show a lack of understanding in how parts of the agricultural economy work and would have benefited from better co-design and consultation.
Government Response Summary
The government notes the committee's concerns about animal welfare in transport proposals and commits to continuing to work with stakeholders through workshops in late 2021 and 2022 to explore issues, with reforms to be implemented via secondary legislation or guidance.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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42
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 117
Diseases do not recognise borders.
Conclusion
Diseases do not recognise borders. Enhancing biosecurity protects animal, plant and human health. Although we have full faith in the Chief Veterinary Officer, it would be easier to monitor animal diseases in our closest neighbours if the UK regained access …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's recommendations and states they retain reporting access with the European Food Safety Agency and continue to share surveillance data. They will continue to engage with the European Commission without explicitly committing to regaining ADNS access.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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