Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Whitby and Anna McMorrin

Wednesday 21st January 2026 Commons Chamber

[John Whitby (Derbyshire Dales) (Lab)]

3. What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on cross-border livestock movements.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Anna McMorrin)]

The UK and Welsh Governments are working closely together to support the agricultural sector, particularly when it comes to cross-border movements and disease control. As always, our message to farmers is to remain vigilant, vaccinate where possible, source responsibly and test. Through that approach, we can minimise disruption.

[John Whitby]

Given the integrated nature of livestock markets across England and Wales, farmers in my constituency still face challenges from restrictions linked to bluetongue. What discussions have occurred with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Welsh Government about minimising disruption to cross-border livestock movements arising from bluetongue testing and certification requirements?

[Anna McMorrin]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise the integrated nature of livestock markets across Wales and England. I reassure him that the Government are working together with the Welsh Government on all animal health-related issues, including bluetongue. I regularly speak to my colleague Huw Irranca-Davies, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, on these matters. Through that collective effort, we have ensured that livestock movements can continue, but I stress once again the importance of being vigilant, vaccinating, sourcing responsibly and testing.