Robbie Butler MLA, Chair of the Agriculture, Rural and Environmental Affairs Committee, has cautiously welcomed the UK Government’s new approach to ensuring continued access to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland. He described it as a vital step in safeguarding animal and public health while warning that long-term clarity and a sustainable framework beyond 2025 remain essential.

The Cabinet Office and Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) have released guidance under the Protecting Animal Health strategy, which includes the Veterinary Medicines Health Situation Scheme and the Veterinary Medicines Internal Market Scheme. These initiatives are designed to maintain medicine supplies following the end of the post-Brexit grace period later this year.

Mr. Butler stated:

“This is a welcome move toward securing Northern Ireland’s animal health infrastructure, and I recognise the significant effort behind it. But we’re at a critical juncture. These schemes are only as effective as their real-world implementation. Vets and farmers need systems that work day-to-day and ensure uninterrupted access to essential treatments—not just now, but well into the future.”

He highlighted the need for clear, practical guidance and firm guarantees that essential medicines—from routine care to critical interventions like the botulism vaccine—remain readily available.

“Our veterinary professionals and farmers don’t need vague commitments; they need assurance that vital treatments will be accessible when needed. Northern Ireland’s unique scale and circumstances allow us to pursue innovative, tailored solutions. A stable, long-term strategy should reflect that, while also ensuring the sector can continue delivering world-class animal welfare.”

Mr. Butler reiterated the importance of a formal UK/EU veterinary medicines agreement, pointing to existing arrangements in other sectors as evidence of what can be achieved through political will.

“The only durable solution is a comprehensive agreement with the EU. We’ve seen progress in human medicines—there’s no reason animal health should be treated differently. This is about more than logistics: it’s about protecting animal health, ensuring food system resilience, and supporting the livelihoods that depend on both.”