The election: what does it mean for the equine industry
Country and equine groups’ pledge for progress despite uncertainty
EQUINE and countryside organisations have stressed a commitment to move forward despite the political situation.
The Conservatives failed to win a majority in the general election (8 June), after Prime Minister Theresa May’s plans to secure a Tory stronghold backfired.
The party ended up with 318 MPs — 13 fewer than before the election and eight short of the majority they needed.
As H&H went to press on Monday, 12 June, Mrs May had agreed a working partnership with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which has 10 MPs. The DUP is known for its anti-abortion views and opposition to same sex marriage.
In a return to the cabinet, Michael Gove has been appointed Defra secretary.
“Democracy’s ability to surprise shows no sign of abating but we look forward to working with the new parliament and government, and most especially the new ministerial team at
Defra,” World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers told H&H.
“We hope they will continue to work constructively on the issues highlighted in the equine sector’s manifesto — particularly the implementation of new equine identification regulations — as quickly as possible.
“Brexit negotiations have not got any easier, but we urge governments across the EU not to gamble with health and welfare of horses, who contribute so much to economies and societies in the UK, Europe and beyond.”
Mr Owers welcomed the Conservatives’ manifesto commitment to mandatory CCTV recording in slaughterhouses.
He added: “Every change brings opportunity and we will be focused on maximising these to advance horse welfare, however long the new parliament lasts.”
British Equine Veterinary Association’s (BEVA) senior vicepresident Mark Bowen told H&H the political partnership means the legislative process is likely to be slowed down for UK laws.
He added that BEVA’s priorities include ensuring this government brings in horse passport regulations and the central equine database; finalising the levy board scheme to capture money from off-shore betting on racing; plus trade and welfare of horses post-Brexit.
“Our challenges for Brexit are largely around ensuring welfare of horses and access to medicines,” said Mr Bowen.
After Brexit, Britain will no longer automatically be part of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which is responsible for the scientific evaluation, supervision and safety monitoring of human and veterinary medicines in the EU.
ON OUR METTLE
COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE (CA) chief executive Tim
Bonner told H&H that rural constituencies are about the “one area of stability” with very few changing hands.
“The Conservatives’ failure to hold on to the majority and the formation of a minority government with the DUP is going to make any political process complex and difficult,” he added. “Brexit is of profound importance to the country and the subsequent development of a British agricultural and land management policy.
“This means organisations like the CA will have to be on their mettle to make sure we get a deal that means businesses and communities in the countryside continue to thrive. The potential pitfalls are huge.”
He added it is “highly unlikely” a minority government would be able to address some wildlife management issues such as foxhunting, while the political situation is so uncertain. Mrs May previously said MPs would have a free vote on foxhunting if the Conservatives won the election.
Country Land and Business Association (CLA) president
Ross Murray said the result “adds further uncertainty to a period of significant upheaval”.
“The CLA’s priority is the interests of the tens of thousands of farmers and other rural business owners who are getting on with their jobs, while politicians manoeuvre and negotiate,” he said. “We are ready to work with the new government to influence the big decisions that will shape the rural economy and rural communities.”
‘Every change brings opportunity’
ROLY OWERS