"Our priority is a vibrant and innovative UK animal health sector." - Dawn Howard, NOAH chief executive.

Importance of welfare outlined in new government plans

NOAH has released a statement, welcoming the commitment to parliamentary time to amend the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, as mentioned in the Queen’s Speech.

Dawn Howard, chief executive of NOAH said: “EU exit means that a robust, sensible and proportionate UK regulatory system, firmly based on internationally recognised science and technical expertise, is more important than ever.

“We have emphasised that parliamentary time will be needed to review the veterinary medicines legislation and help ensure opportunities that EU exit may present come to fruition, and are pleased to see this has been specifically included within the Medical and Medical Devices Bill.”

The association also expressed its approval of the emphasis on animal welfare in the new government’s plans within the Agriculture and Environment Bills.

NOAH’s Vision Paper for Animal Health and Welfare outlines the association’s goals regarding further development of agriculture policy in the UK. Focusing primarily on animal health and identifying the necessary processes required to improve the health and welfare of UK livestock.

Mrs Howard added: “Taking an animal health perspective will help deliver the benefits in terms of welfare that the bill aims to achieve, as well as supporting productivity, sustainability and resilience of farms – all helping to prepare for changes in trading outside the EU.

“Our paper sets out a holistic approach – as we believe no single action is going to deliver proper forward momentum. We look forward to working with the new Government to ensure our shared vision comes to fruition.”