NOAH gives cautious welcome to government Brexit plans

The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) says it “cautiously” welcomes the government’s white paper out today that details plans for the UK’s departure from the EU.

NOAH’s announcement comes less than a month after British Veterinary Association (BVA) resident John Fishwick said Brexit would threaten the capacity of veterinary and animal health workforces.

NOAH chief executive Dawn Howard said: “The proposal includes regulatory alignment in ‘industrial goods and agricultural products’ so is a welcome move for our sector, which is highly regulated. We have previously supported the proposal for a close working relationship, even associate membership, of the European Medicines Agency.

“We therefore welcome proposals for an economic partnership and regulatory cooperation, including participation by the UK in the European Medicines Agency. In addition, the recognition of the importance of our manufacturing sector and bespoke provisions for animal medicines, reflecting their unique status is good news for the future supply of animal health products, animal welfare and food security in the UK

“Of course, the devil is in the detail and we wait to see what will be acceptable for our EU colleagues in the negotiations this autumn. We look forward to working to ensure the best possible outcome for the animal health sector, as these proposals are taken into negotiations with the European Union”.