Opportunity exists for progress with EU on veterinary medicines - McGlone

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
SDLP Opposition AERA Spokesperson Patsy McGlone has said the opportunity exists for the new British government to make progress on an agreement with the EU over the availability of veterinary medicines in the North after 2025.

He was speaking after the AERA Minister attended a meeting of the Assembly Committee on Monday.

Mid Ulster MLA Mr McGlone said: “The continuing issues around veterinary medicines coming into the North were the result of the failure in negotiations between the EU and a Tory party tearing itself apart. The new Labour Government in London has the opportunity to reset those negotiations and find a long-term sustainable solution that recognises the importance of these medicines to people across the North and the futility of putting extra costs and obstacles in place.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“These issues have the potential to impact the number and variety of veterinary medicines available here, as the increased costs involved may prove prohibitive to manufacturers. Without a resolution on this there is the potential for a public health emergency in the future.

The SDLP's Patsy McGloneThe SDLP's Patsy McGlone
The SDLP's Patsy McGlone

“Any solution will require compromise, but there is still time for this to be resolved before the grace periods end in December 2025. While the Minister does not have direct input into the negotiations, he has a responsibility to urge those involved to find a resolution for the agri-food sector on this island.

“I impressed on the Minister the importance of finding that resolution and the opportunity that now exists to make real progress towards an agreement on veterinary medicines with the EU.”

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

News you can trust since 1963
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice