Animal health crisis is imminent due to Protocol

Carla Lockhart MP • December 15, 2022

DUP EFRA Spokesperson Carla Lockhart has said that with only two weeks to go until the end of grace periods relating to veterinary medicines coming to Northern Ireland from Great Britain, the local agriculture sector must have assurances from the Government that grace periods will be extended to avoid an animal health and animal welfare crisis.

Speaking in London, Carla Lockhart said:

 

“We have been raising this issue with the Government for some time, highlighting the absolutely unacceptable animal health and animal welfare crisis that will ensue from 1st January should the EU demands under the Protocol be implemented in relation to veterinary medicines.

 

Without Government action, over 50% of animal medicines within the Northern Ireland veterinary armoury will be withdrawn from supply. This is as a result of the Protocol. Some might want us to believe the Protocol is a positive for Northern Ireland. It is potentially devastating for our world leading animal health and animal welfare standards.

 

It is now two weeks to the turn of the year. It is time that vets and farmers got that assurance that this will not be allowed to happen. It is increasingly clear that the EU has not had any intention to resolve this matter with any great pace. It is therefore vital that the Government acts.

 

I have written to the DEFRA Secretary to implore him to take immediate action. It must happen now. Furthermore, it is vital that within any extension of the status quo that the Government delivers a new agreement with the EU that respects our place within the UK internal market. Supply must continue to be able to be sourced from GB. The answer is not found in establishing new supply chains from foreign countries.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP July 2, 2025
The Labour government is in crisis and facing mounting pressure to climbdown on its proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR).
By Carla Lockhart MP July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the UK Government to ensure that parents of premature babies are properly supported through parental leave entitlements and has urged Northern Ireland to follow suit with legislative progress that reflects the unique challenges these families face.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has today issued a scathing criticism of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland following his dismissive response to serious concerns raised in Parliament about the impact of the Windsor Framework on local businesses.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has praised the organisers, volunteers, and local community following a highly successful Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund Vintage Cavalcade held in Waringstown.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has strongly criticised the Infrastructure Minister following the latest announcement of part-time 20mph speed limits outside schools with not a single school in Upper Bann included in the new tranche.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has paid tribute to the warmth and generosity of the Waringstown community following her visit to a special coffee morning hosted by Evelyn Hall in memory of her late husband, Mervyn, on what would have been his birthday.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 2, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has strongly criticised the Infrastructure Minister following the latest announcement of part-time 20mph speed limits outside schools with not a single school in Upper Bann included in the new tranche.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 1, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has strongly condemned the Government’s handling of today’s welfare reform debate, describing the scenes in the House of Commons as “pantomime politics at its best.” The debate on the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit Bill was marked by confusion, with significant policy changes announced live from the despatch box, leaving MPs reacting to legislation that was changing before their eyes.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 1, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is appealing to livestock farmers in Northern Ireland to remain vigilant as the threat from Bluetongue disease increases.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP and DUP Westminster Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons opposing the enforcement of burdensome EU regulations on the movement of used agricultural and forestry machinery from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
More Posts