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

To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures they are taking to support the British thoroughbred racing and breeding industries as the UK withdraws from the EU.

The Government wishes to see the rules governing the movement of horses, including the TPA, continue through any implementation period; and expects this to happen.

Our priority is for the movement of horses then to continue, following the UK's withdrawal and the implementation period, with minimal delay and bureaucracy, whilst safeguarding animal welfare, biosecurity and disease control. We are working with the sectors concerned, in order to deliver this and where change is necessary, to ensure it is in the UK’s best interests.

Separately, the British Horseracing Authority, on behalf of the British thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, responded to the Migration Advisory Committee's call for evidence on the impact of EEA workers in the UK labour market.

In addition, in April 2017, the Government implemented reforms to the Horserace Betting Levy which made it a requirement for offshore operators to pay the Levy for the first time. The Horserace Betting Levy Board estimates that the reformed Levy will generate c.£85m in 2017/18 - representing an increase of c.£20m compared to receipts from bookmakers in 2016/17 under the old system.