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Defra unprepared for Brexit, report reveals
Defra is among the government departments that will be most affected by Brexit.
Department facing challenging savings targets

Defra is unprepared for Brexit due to budget cuts and a lack of clarity, according to a new report.

According to Whitehalls’ preparation for the UK’ exit from the EU, Defra is among the government departments that will be most affected by Brexit.

It says the department is facing ‘challenging savings targets’ and a ‘lack of clarity’ about what is required before talks get underway.

The paper was published by the Institute for Government on Wednesday (14 December).  

It reveals that Defra’s budget is now 17 per cent smaller than it was six years ago, and will be nearly 35 per cent smaller by March 2019.

It adds that Defra is delivering an ambitious programme of reform to streamline the department and its 33 agencies.

Responding to the report a Defra spokesperson said: “The resourcing of EU Exit work is one of the key priorities of the Department and will be subject to on-going assessment.

“Work continues to identify the number of dedicated posts required in the long term to deliver a successful EU Exit”.

To read the full report visit: https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/sites/default/files/publication/IFGJ5003_Whitehalls_preparation_131216_V10.pdf

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.