Brexit negotiations must allow the animal health industry to thrive and grow, says the National Office of Animal Health.
“Triggering Article 50 should mark an increase in certainty and stability for NOAH member businesses,” said a NOAH spokesman. “But it is vital that negotiations allow for the animal health sector to continue making its important contribution to UK’s economy, food security and society – and enable this dynamic sector to grow.”
NOAH Chair Cat Sayer said: “Exit from the EU offers opportunities for our vibrant and innovative UK animal health market, including further possibilities for animal medicines businesses to thrive.
“The UK is in a strong position to be a global centre of excellence for animal health, supporting innovative product developments with a regulatory model that assists both local and international trade. It is good to see science, research and innovation included as a key pillar in the Government’s Industrial Strategy Green Paper. Our sector, with its important role in food production and societal wellbeing – as well as the support it gives to the economy – is an important part of that.
NOAH calls for an environment that delivers a thriving animal medicines sector:
- Supporting trade and innovation
- Safeguarding animal health, welfare, public health and food safety; ensuring that UK vets and animal keepers continue to have access to a wide range of appropriate veterinary medicines.
- Giving businesses access to skilled staff.
- Giving the incentive for product research and development within a world-leading regulatory system.
- Encouraging companies to do business in the UK as unnecessary regulatory burdens are recognised and removed.
- Building transitional arrangements to support business continuity, utilising links with specialist EU infrastructure where necessary
