What does Brexit mean for UK biosecurity? Lords to hear evidence
The House of Lords EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee will continue taking evidence for its inquiry investigating the impact of Brexit on the UK's plant and animal biosecurity on Wednesday 2nd May. The Committee will question the RSPB, the Woodland Trust and the British Veterinary Association.
The UK's current biosecurity measures are underpinned by EU legislation, advice and information sharing. When the UK leaves the EU, it is unclear how closely it will continue to mirror the EU framework and whether it will be able to continue to draw on EU expertise.
The evidence session will begin at 10:30am in Committee Room 4 of the House of Lords. Giving evidence will be:
- Dr Paul Walton, Head of Species - Scotland, RSPB
- Matt Elliot, Conservation Advisor, Woodland Trust
- Simon Doherty, Junior Vice President, British Veterinary Association
Areas the Committee are likely to cover include:
- How well the current EU framework works.
- To what extent the UK should mirror EU legislation and processes post-Brexit.
- What opportunities Brexit provides to improve the UK's biosecurity.
- Whether the UK has the capacity to take on the biosecurity functions currently undertaken by the EU.
