Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the loss of membership to the European Commission's trade control and expert system on the UK's ability to uphold biological security in animal and food products.

Since 1 January 2021, the UK has put in place strict biosecurity controls on the highest risk imports of animals, animal products, plants and plant products from the EU. These controls on the highest risk goods remain in place.

We have established mechanisms in place to stop products from being exported to Great Britain from known areas with a significant pest or disease. Given the fact we have close alignment and strong knowledge of the EU rules, we can continue to have a high degree of confidence in biosecurity associated with those imports.

The UK’s departure from the EU means that we now have the regulatory powers to create a world leading border that enhances and protects our high biosecurity standards. Since leaving the EU we continue to check imports of the highest risk commodities, ensuring that the biosecurity of our animals and food products is maintained. Defra constantly monitors any emerging disease and pest risks and stand ready to implement tougher import restrictions should risk levels rise.