Swann secures Westminster debate on future of veterinary medicine supply in Northern Ireland

Robin Swann MP speaking in the House of Commons

Robin Swann MP is set to lead a Westminster Hall debate next Wednesday on “the supply of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland,” amid intensifying concern from vets, farmers and animal welfare organisations over post-Brexit medicine arrangements.

The Northern Ireland Office will respond to the debate, which follows heightened warnings from across the sector about the potential impact of the current grace period ending on 31 December.

Eight leading organisations – including the British Veterinary Association, the North of Ireland Veterinary Association, the Dairy Council and representatives from the meat, pork and animal health sectors – recently cautioned the UK government that Northern Ireland could face severe risks to medicine access unless urgent clarity is provided.

Mr Swann will also meet a Defra Minister this week to seek further details on how new schemes will operate in practice, emphasising the need to avoid disruption for veterinary professionals, family farms and pet owners.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Robin Swann MP said:

“Vets, farmers, pet owners and animal rescue organisations in Northern Ireland still do not have the clarity they need about what happens when the current arrangements end. The sector is reporting real fears about medicine shortages, increased costs and uncertainty over how new schemes will operate in practice.

“This issue affects family farms relying on essential treatments, pet owners who depend on regular prescriptions and the many rescue and welfare organisations already stretched to their limits. The potential loss of access to online pharmacies in Great Britain from 2026 will further reduce choice and affordability for many households.

“It is vital that the UK government provides clear, coordinated and practical detail on the new arrangements. The people who care for our animals deserve certainty, not confusion.”

Mr Swann added that the debate represents a critical opportunity to ensure Northern Ireland’s agricultural and veterinary sectors are properly supported in the months ahead.

Concluding, he said:

“This Westminster Hall debate will provide an important opportunity to put these concerns directly to the government and to ensure that Northern Ireland’s veterinary and agricultural sectors are properly supported as the new rules come into force.”

Sector representatives have repeatedly warned that a lack of clear guidance risks leaving Northern Ireland without timely access to essential veterinary medicines, with potential consequences for animal welfare, food safety and farm viability.

Many organisations are urging the UK government to introduce workable, long-term arrangements that protect supply lines and minimise cost pressures on both professionals and pet owners.

Next week’s debate is expected to draw significant attention from across the UK animal health and agriculture sectors.