Brexit Steering Group Issues Update

[Wandering Eyes]

The Thoroughbred Industry Brexit Steering Group on Friday released an update reiterating that it is working with the UK government, colleagues in the horse sector and the Irish and French industries to prepare for Britain’s exit from the EU on Mar. 29 with or without a deal.

The group reiterated its hope that a withdrawal agreement can be reached, which would allow the continuation of the current free movement of Thoroughbreds between Britain, Ireland and France until at least December of 2020, with work proceeding on longer term arrangements. A no-deal exit would mean that Thoroughbreds from Ireland and France could still travel freely into the UK, but movement the other way around would be subject to a new tripartite agreement being reached.

A no-deal exit would mean the UK would be treated as a third country, and in order to be prepared for all possible outcomes the UK government has submitted an application for listing as a third-party country to continue exporting live animals and animal products to the EU post-Brexit. The European Commission’s recently published Contingency Action Plan states that “On the basis of the EU veterinary legislation, the Commission will–if justified–swiftly ‘list’ the United Kingdom [as a third country], if all applicable conditions are fulfilled, so as to allow the entry of live animals and animal products from the United Kingdom into the European Union.”

The European Commission has recently published proposals that would allow UK hauliers to continue carrying goods into the EU until the end of 2019 if there is no deal, without the need for an ECMT permit.

With regards to the stud book, Weatherbys has lodged an application with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for submission to the EU Commission for the General Stud Book to be recognised by the EU Commission and to be added to its list of breeding bodies.

In terms of European Union citizens working in the Thoroughbred industry, the UK Government has launched a website outlining details of the EU Settlement Scheme for European Union citizens, and their families, to continue living in the UK after June 30, 2021 with either settled or pre-settled status. The application process opens in full on Mar. 30, 2019 and further guidance will be provided in advance of that date.

“With continuing uncertainty around the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, it is only right that the Thoroughbred industries prepare for all scenarios, including a no deal, which we hope can be avoided,” said Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Chairman Julian Richmond-Watson. “We have been very encouraged by our engagement with government around preparations for a no deal, and endorse its stance that current systems for horse movement into the UK will continue in these circumstances.”

An online hub to provide guidance to industry participants on what to do as the UK leaves the EU has been set up on the BHA website.

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