Swann Leads Westminster Debate on Veterinary Medicines

Leading a Westminster debate, South Antrim MP Robin Swann has warned that Northern Ireland is facing a potential crisis in the supply of veterinary medicines unless the UK Government urgently delivers a clear and long-term solution before the end of the year.

Speaking during his debate, Mr Swann said the expiry of the current grace period on 31 December poses a serious risk to the continued availability of hundreds of essential products used daily by vets, farmers, pet owners and animal rescue charities.

Mr Swann said:

“This issue has been known for some time. Back in February I hosted the British Veterinary Association in Parliament to highlight the scale of the problem and to urge the Government to act while there was still plenty of time. Since then, the warnings have only grown louder and more than 19,000 vets from across the UK have now signed a joint letter calling for urgent action.”

He warned that Northern Ireland could lose up to 15% of veterinary medicines next year, including around 20 products with no viable alternative:

“The loss of essential vaccines and treatments would carry serious risks for animal health, human health and our agri-food economy.

“It would increase the threat of disease, undermine herd and flock health and put even more pressure on vets and farmers who are already dealing with rising costs and disease challenges. Pet owners and animal rescue charities would also feel the impact through higher costs and reduced availability of everyday treatments.”

Mr Swann said Northern Ireland was uniquely exposed because of regulatory divergence under the Windsor Framework.

“Veterinary medicines were not sufficiently addressed in the negotiations, unlike human medicines. When the grace period ends, any veterinary medicine coming from Great Britain into Northern Ireland will be treated as a non-EU import, bringing added bureaucracy and uncertainty.”

“It remains unclear which medicines may still be available from online suppliers or when definitive guidance will be provided. That lack of clarity is simply unacceptable with only weeks remaining.”

He also raised concerns about the consequences of uncertainty within the system:

“The lack of transparency and clear communication risks confusion, rising costs and even the possibility of illegal or black-market products entering the supply chain. That would be dangerous for animals and dangerous for public health.”

During the debate, Mr Swann pressed the Minister to clarify when guidance will be issued to veterinary professionals and farmers, and to commit to working closely with organisations such as the BVA and NOAH to ensure that information is practical and accurate. He also called for a clear mechanism to ensure timely updates on any changes to access, prescribing routes or fallback options.

Concluding, the South Antrim MP said: “Northern Ireland cannot be left exposed. This is an animal health issue, a human health issue and a food security issue. Temporary extensions are not a solution. We need certainty and we need it now. I will continue pressing the Government until a secure and workable settlement is achieved.”