Government responds to Lords Committee’s concerns as veterinary medicine grace period ends

The Government has responded to the House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee after it raised serious concerns about potential risks to animal and public health, farming, and food security as a result of the expiry of the grace period suspending the application of EU veterinary medicines regulations to Northern Ireland at the end of the year.  

The response from the Rt Hon Nick Thomas–Symonds MP, Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations can be read in full on the Committee's website.  

The Committee has also responded to the letter asking for further clarity in the new year and stating that it will continue to examine this issue throughout 2026.