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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the requirements placed on the movement of horses between the UK and France; and what progress they have made on negotiating a tripartite agreement for the free movement of horses between Ireland, France and the UK.

Following the departure of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) the requirements for exporting equines to the EU are decided by the European Commission, and the UK is now treated as a third country. Whilst the biosecurity status of the UK has not changed since leaving the EU, equines are now subject to requirements for certain health tests before travel and pre-export residence and isolation periods. Equines must have an Export Health Certificate signed off by an Official Veterinarian. Equines must enter the EU and Northern Ireland through Border Control Posts where they are subject to 100% documentary, physical and ID checks. Prior to EU membership, there was a Tripartite Agreement (TPA) between Ireland, France and the UK for certain equines moving between the three nations. When the UK joined the EU, the EU agreed a continuation of the TPA as part of our membership agreement, as a derogation. When the UK left the EU and became a third country, the TPA ceased.