AQO 1776/22-27

Mr Eóin Tennyson
Alliance Party
Upper Bann

Tabled Date: 13/03/2025
Answered On Date: 26/03/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on his engagement with the UK Government on a sanitary and phytosanitary Veterinary Agreement with the European Union.

Answer:

I continue to take every opportunity to engage with the UK Government on this matter because it is critical that they negotiate with the EU for an SPS agreement that works for the whole of the UK in removing trade friction.

I would therefore be supportive of a SPS agreement that is as comprehensive as possible and ideally cover all the SPS legislation in Annex 2 of the Windsor Framework and resolve the position on veterinary medicines.

Where Northern Ireland is aligned with EU Regulations, it is desirable that GB is also aligned as that means common regulations across the UK and the EU.