Government accused of adopting a 'hope for the best attitude' on veterinary medicines - as ministers announce new plans
The government has been accused of a “hope for the best attitude” over the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland – just a fortnight ahead of the end of an EU grace period which has mitigated disruption to the supply chain.
The UK animal welfare minister this week launched an “expert-led forum” – which she says will to protect the flow of vital medicines to vets.
On Thursday, the Cabinet Office told a parliamentary committee that the “vast majority of veterinary medicines will continue to be supplied”.
However, the UUP’s Windsor Framework spokesperson Steve Aiken says that only one third of GB wholesalers are willing to continue supplying Northern Ireland – and claimed that the Labour government’s approach will only add to the uncertainty and additional costs facing business.
On Wednesday, animal welfare minister Baroness Hayman announced the establishment of a Supply Coordination Forum to “mitigate any delivery risk” to the veterinary medicine supply. The government also called on pharmaceutical companies to improve information sharing with customers before the 1 January changes to the rules.
It all stems from the Windsor Framework deal, which allowed Brussels to retain control of Northern Ireland’s goods market – and the ability to control which products enter it from the rest of the UK, such as animal medications.
The UK government has briefed journalists that – after its engagement with manufacturers – the vast majority of products will be available. Alternatives will be available for those products discontinued after falling foul of EU rules, officials say.
London also says there will be no cliff edge on 1 January, as it has a three-pronged strategy to deal with the issue. Firstly, the Supply Coordination Forum – made up of stakeholders and the government – will focus on ‘on the ground’ issues, and deal with concerns. Secondly, ministers believe that new online sellers will emerge to fill any gaps. Thirdly, they are urging manufacturers to be clearer with consumers.
In a letter to the House of Lords Northern Ireland scrutiny committee on Thursday, Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said that the “vast majority of veterinary medicines will continue to be supplied”.
The Labour minister also said that the government is “focused on pragmatic solutions and in this case expect that industry adaptation, with government assistance, in combination with our schemes, will ensure that Northern Ireland continues to have access to the medicines they need”.
Ulster Unionist MLA Steve Aiken said: “Today is known as ‘Take Out the Trash Day’ in Westminster for a reason. The Government, particularly Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, has known there is a problem with veterinary medicines for well over a year.
“He and the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, know this because the Ulster Unionist Party, every vet, the Ulster Farmers’ Union, and everyone involved in the agribusiness sector in Northern Ireland have told them so.
“Yet here we are, on the last day of routine government business this year, with our so-called ‘faithful implementers’ offering nothing more than a response to ‘monitor the situation’.
“In detailed responses to the House of Lords, the Minister has been at pains to point out that ‘nearly’ all supplies will be retained and that, despite only two out of six GB wholesalers willing to continue supplying Northern Ireland, this long-established ‘supply’ could somehow be maintained.
“Bizarrely, any mention of additional costs is brushed aside with the claim that it’s ‘commercially sensitive’ information. With only a few days to go, this ‘let’s hope for the best’ attitude of faithful implementation will only add considerably to the uncertainty and additional costs for Northern Ireland.
“No doubt our Environment Minister will welcome this enlightened approach with his EU friends and colleagues.”
In a statement, the government said the measures will “build resilience in veterinary medicine supply, following the 19 June announcement of two new schemes – the Veterinary Medicines Health Situation Scheme and the Veterinary Medicines Internal Market Scheme.
“The Veterinary Medicines Directorate has also published guidance and webinars to support businesses and vets to prepare, as well as listing all online retailers authorised to sell medicines that must be supplied by a qualified professional”.
Earlier in the week, animal welfare minister Baroness Hayman said: “The government is taking steps to protect the supply of veterinary medicines into Northern Ireland, with the vast majority continuing to be supplied.
“I urge pharmaceutical companies to communicate supply intentions as soon as possible, so any minor issues next year can be quickly addressed.”