UK secures ‘listed status’ to protect £5 billion animal export market

Press release

Exports to the EU of live animals and products of animal origin such as meat, fish and dairy can continue.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed today that the UK has been granted ‘national listed status’, which ensures exports to the EU of live animals and products of animal origin such as meat, fish and dairy can continue, providing certainty for a market worth more than £5 billion a year.

The UK’s listed status was confirmed by the EU after it met the health and biosecurity assurances required for a third country.

The move recognises the UK’s high biosecurity and animal health standards and will bring welcome clarity to our world-leading farmers and food producers. The decision will also allow the continued movement of equines between the UK and the EU.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, said:

Third country listed status demonstrates our very high standards of biosecurity and animal health which we will continue to maintain after the end of the transition period.

If you or your business imports or exports animal and animal products, or imports high risk food, then I urge you to visit our guidance pages on gov.uk for what you need to do to continue to trade after 31 December.

Businesses will require an Export Health Certificate for all different product types within a consignment, which will need to be signed by a certifier such as an Official Veterinarian.

Guidance for animal importers and exporters including equine transporters is available on GOV.UK.

The EU has voted to lift a number of plant health prohibitions and they also voted to grant equivalence for fruit and vegetable propagating material, which means these plants and plant products can continue being exported to the EU and NI. We are expecting a decision on agricultural species and forest reproductive material, which is decided via a Council vote.

The recent positive outcome of the EU vote means it will be possible to export seed and propagating material, as well as ware potatoes, to the EU and NI from 1 January 2021.

Further information

  • Third country listing is a technical requirement for imports of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) products into the EU. Northern Ireland does not need to be listed due to the Protocol meaning it is within the same SPS area as the EU.
  • Ware potatoes can continue to be exported to the EU and NI, but the EU have not accepted our case for a permanent change to the prohibition on seed potatoes, so it will not be possible to export seed potatoes to the EU or NI from 1 January. Defra will continue to engage with the Commission on this issue.

Published 24 December 2020



North East households urged not to become ‘accidental’ waste criminals this Christmas

Waste carriers, like other licensed trades, are required to register and operate in line with a set of rules that protect the environment and their customers. These rules require them to dispose of waste in the right place, store it safely and keep accurate records of its transfer and disposal.

There has been recent concerns about the number of ‘man and van’ adverts and self-promotion on Facebook and other social media platforms offering to take away people’s rubbish.

If these traders don’t have a waste carriers’ licence, there is no guarantee rubbish will be disposed of safely and responsibly at an authorised site. Instead, it could end up dumped on the side of the road or burned in a field. What’s more, because the person who created the rubbish is legally responsible for it, it is they who could face criminal charges.

David Edwardson the Environment Agency’s Enforcement Leader for the North East, said:

“Rogue traders using social media to exploit people into parting with their waste cheaply are regarded as the new door steppers. People are then discovering their waste has been fly-tipped in a country lane or beside the road. These illegal waste carriers undermine legitimate businesses, undercut their prices and blight the environment. They will step up their activities over the festive season as they know people will be looking to dispose of unwanted items after Christmas.

“We want people to take three steps to check whether the collector has a waste carriers’ licence from the Environment Agency: ask where the rubbish will end up, don’t pay cash and insist on a receipt, then record the details of the vehicle used to take the rubbish away.

“If people suspect criminal activity, they should report it on our national incident hotline 0800 807060 or anonymously through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 and give as much detail as possible. Let’s work together to stamp out waste crime and protect our urban spaces and beautiful countryside.”

Everyone has a duty of care to ensure their waste is disposed of legally. Failing to meet that requirement means people could be held responsible if their waste is fly-tipped or otherwise illegally disposed of. In the event of a court prosecution individuals could receive an unlimited fine and/or a £400 Fixed Penalty Notices.

People should check the festive opening times for their local Waste Recycling Centre if they decide to discard any items of the Christmas and New Year period.

Before hiring someone to remove waste, check their credentials online at https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers



British troops train Zambian rangers to catch poachers

Troops from the Royal Gurkha Rifles have spent six weeks training Zambian rangers in counter-poaching, helping to strengthen Zambia’s response to the illicit wildlife trade, estimated to be worth up to £17 billion a year internationally to criminal gangs. With Zambia home to a large elephant population and a number of rare and endangered species, the authorities are tackling both poaching and illegal trade after seeing an increasing number of syndicates who sell products on the international market.

The 30-strong unit supported the Zambian National Anti-Poaching Task Force by sharing a wide range of soldiering skills that can be used to track and combat poachers. A total of 119 students from the Zambian Police, Armed Forces, National Service and Department for National Parks and Wildlife were trained under the programme.

The training and exercises in the 8,600 square miles of Kafue National Park allowed British soldiers to pass on their expertise, including interception tracking tactics, evidence gathering, leadership development and medic response training. The Zambian rangers were also trained in the use of lightweight patrol packs and first aid kits so they can operate at greater distances from their bases, covering more ground in isolated areas where the poachers are more active.

Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey said:

The UK is committed to tackling the illegal wildlife trade, which has a destabilising impact on communities across Zambia, and the wider continent. These deployments are also a valuable learning opportunity for the soldiers, operating in challenging terrain and learning bush-craft from the rangers.

Having trained over 200 rangers in Malawi and 119 in Zambia, this work by the British Army aims to reduce poaching at source and uses sustainable, community-led solutions to protect and conserve wildlife.

Zambian rangers learning tracking techniques

The latest training mission comes after four previous deployments of British troops to neighbouring Malawi, where soldiers trained over 200 rangers in Liwonde National Park to improve patrolling effectiveness and information sharing with other partners. The team in Malawi also helped to move two black rhinos which had been transported by air and road from KwaZulu National Park in South Africa under a scheme to boost their population in the region.

Major James Marden, Officer Commanding, said:

This was a unique operation unlike anything I have done before, enhanced by it being the first British counter-poaching training support mission in Zambia. It was hugely rewarding working with such a diverse team.

Since our departure a new course has already started with the Zambian instructors changing the recruit training syllabus to align with the lessons taught.

The partnership with Zambia, funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and delivered by the British Army, aims to crack down on the illegal wildlife trade. The UK Government is at the forefront of global efforts to protect endangered animals and plants from poaching and has committed more than £36 million to tackle the illegal wildlife trade between 2014 and 2021.

International Environment Minister Lord Goldsmith said:

The illegal wildlife trade fuels corruption, impoverishes communities and threatens the existence of some of the world’s most iconic animals. Many species are now critically endangered because of this trade and the UK government is committed to ending it.

Rangers, with the support of the UK soldiers, can create safe places for people and wildlife and are vital in delivering long-term conservation successes.

This is the first deployment of its kind in Zambia and by sharing skills and expertise, we can work together to fight against poaching and illegal smuggling.

The UK is hosting COP26 next year in Glasgow where the protection of natural assets including wildlife protection and tackling deforestation and landscape degradation will be key themes. This ranger training helps to promote these goals by supporting authorities and local communities to protect and value local resources.

British troops share their medical skills with the rangers



Public consultation begins on £3.3 million plans to reduce flood risk to 221 properties in Penketh and Whittle Brooks

  • A consultation has been launched for a flood defence scheme at Penketh and Whittle Brooks that could reduce the risk of flooding to 221 properties

  • The Environment Agency wants residents and businesses in the area to visit its online ‘virtual engagement room’ to view the details and leave feedback

  • Consultation open until the 15 January 2021

The consultation on the proposals is open until the 15 January 2021 and can be viewed by visiting our virtual engagement room at https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/gmmc/penketh-and-whittle-flood-risk-management-scheme/

Peter Costello, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for the Environment Agency said:

“We have been liaising with local residents and partner organisations as we develop options to manage flood risk to 221 properties in Penketh and Whittle Brooks.”

“We are now ready to share these proposals with the wider community, so we can factor in their local knowledge and insight as we refine the plans.”

“We would encourage everyone to visit our virtual engagement room, where they can view details of the proposed flood defences, learn more about our ongoing work and share their views and feedback.”

Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for public realm, Cllr Hans Mundry, said:

“This flood defence scheme is really important for the future of the area, so it’s vital that local people have their say and help shape the plans.”

“The Environment Agency have been working closely with residents throughout the development of the scheme, and this consultation is the next, important part of that work. If you are a local resident or business in the area, please visit the virtual engagement room, have a look at the latest plans and share your views.”

Following previous feedback from the community, the Environment Agency is proposing to build an overflow culvert on Penketh Brook which will allow more water to flow underneath the railway and canal after heavy rain.

This proposal has the benefit of no longer requiring the transfer culvert between Penkth and Whittle Brooks or the need for the defences that had previously been proposed along Hall Nook. This additionally removes the need to remove existing trees and vegetation along Hall Nook, which was a significant concern for some residents.  Proposals for tidal gates on Whittle Brook still feature in the plans, with some additional work to the channel and banks.

Published 24 December 2020
Last updated 24 December 2020 + show all updates

  1. First published.



Extra £800 million to support Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland through Covid-19 this year

News story

New funding of £800 million is being guaranteed for the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to support people, businesses and public services with the ongoing impact of Covid-19.

  • UK Government guarantees extra £800 million of new funding for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
  • new funding will continue to help the devolved administrations to support people and businesses through coronavirus
  • all parts of the UK will continue to receive direct support provided by the UK Government, including furlough and business loans

Today’s announcement increases the UK Government’s unprecedented upfront guarantee this year to at least £16.8 billion on top of funding outlined in Spring Budget 2020.

This funding can be spent on priorities such as the NHS and business support.

This means a further £400 million for the Scottish Government, £200 million for the Welsh Government and £200 million for the Northern Ireland Executive.

Any changes to devolved funding are normally confirmed towards the end of the financial year – but in July the UK Government introduced an unprecedented guarantee to provide them with funding certainty to respond to Covid-19.

Today’s announcement ensures that all parts of the UK can continue their response to Covid-19 through the winter months.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay MP said:

We’ve already committed unprecedented levels of support to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

This extra funding will provide the nations with the certainty they need to plan through these difficult months.

We remain committed to an economic recovery for the whole of the United Kingdom and will continue to work closely with the devolved administrations to support people and businesses.

People and businesses in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also continue to benefit from the UK Government’s unprecedented £280 billion UK-wide economic response package.

This includes schemes such as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Bounce Back Loan Scheme providing billions in support to businesses across the three regions.

Alongside this, millions of jobs in the three regions continue to be supported through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Further information

  • In July we announced an unprecedented upfront guarantee that the devolved administrations would receive at least £12.7 billion in additional resource funding this year to help them respond to coronavirus. In October we uplifted that by £1.3 billion to at least £14 billion, and in November we uplifted it further by £2 billion to at least £16 billion.
  • The devolved administrations are able to spend this funding as they see fit across their devolved responsibilities.
  • The guarantee applies to 2020-21 only, and final Barnett figures for 2020-21 will be confirmed at Supplementary Estimates 2020-21.
  • This is on top of the borrowing powers the devolved administrations already have, which they can use to supplement the share of UKG borrowing they receive through the Barnett formula.
  • Spending Review 2020 also confirmed £2.6 billion to the devolved administrations related to Covid-19 through the Barnett formula for 2021-22, on top of their combined baseline of over £60 billion.

Published 24 December 2020