A new UK-EU agreement announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer aims to facilitate the movement of goods and horses, with industry experts expressing optimism about its potential benefits. The RSPCA welcomed the deal, highlighting its framework for negotiating a “common veterinary area” that could enhance trade while maintaining high animal welfare standards. The agreement also preserves the UK’s ban on live animal exports and includes provisions to protect biosecurity and public health.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) praised the agreement for balancing reduced trade friction with the UK’s stringent animal welfare and disease control standards. However, concerns remain regarding access to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland, which could impact animal and public health. The BVA is urging the government to find a permanent solution to this issue.
Additionally, the agreement introduces a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) zone to ease trade barriers for live animals and related products. Improvements to the pet passport scheme will simplify travel for pet owners, while a new youth experience scheme will support young equestrians looking to work abroad, mirroring existing programs with countries like Australia and New Zealand.
