The UK does not currently have enough vets to issue export health certificates in the event of a no-deal Brexit by March 2019.
The news was published in a report by the UK's comptroller and auditor general on 12 September.
“Without a significant increase in the UK’s veterinary capacity, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) will be unable to process the increased volume of export health certificates it expects if there is no deal,” the report said.
Defra needs to negotiate with 154 non-EU countries
The report outlines how a vet shortage could lead to delays at ports, and in order to counter this, Defra is planning an emergency veterinary recruitment drive and increasing the powers and responsibility of officials at inspections points.
“Defra needs to negotiate with 154 non-EU countries to agree acceptance of UK versions of over 1,400 export health certificates,” the report said.
Not expecting to be able to complete negotiations
“It is focusing on reaching agreement with 15 of these countries that it estimates account for approximately 90% of total exports to non-EU countries of animal products, food and live animals, but is not expecting to be able to complete negotiations with all the remaining 139 countries by March 2019.”
While the auditor emphasised that Defra was developing Brexit plans, a lack of a clear government Brexit planning was hampering Defra’s efforts.
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The UK does not currently have enough vets to issue export health certificates in the event of a no-deal Brexit by March 2019.
The news was published in a report by the UK's comptroller and auditor general on 12 September.
“Without a significant increase in the UK’s veterinary capacity, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) will be unable to process the increased volume of export health certificates it expects if there is no deal,” the report said.
Defra needs to negotiate with 154 non-EU countries
The report outlines how a vet shortage could lead to delays at ports, and in order to counter this, Defra is planning an emergency veterinary recruitment drive and increasing the powers and responsibility of officials at inspections points.
“Defra needs to negotiate with 154 non-EU countries to agree acceptance of UK versions of over 1,400 export health certificates,” the report said.
Not expecting to be able to complete negotiations
“It is focusing on reaching agreement with 15 of these countries that it estimates account for approximately 90% of total exports to non-EU countries of animal products, food and live animals, but is not expecting to be able to complete negotiations with all the remaining 139 countries by March 2019.”
While the auditor emphasised that Defra was developing Brexit plans, a lack of a clear government Brexit planning was hampering Defra’s efforts.
Read more
Direct payments to end in England in 2027
Brexit – time for super-fudge?
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