Member

A number of noble Lords referenced concerns about checks taking place away from the border. It might be helpful to clarify the transitional staging period. This is a period during which the requirements for certain official documents and the performance of official controls in relation to some categories of animals, plants and other goods imported into GB from certain countries—including EU members states—have been temporarily eased. This is allowing Great Britain to adopt a pragmatic and phased approach to implementing the border target operating model. I repeat that this is a temporary easement of official controls. When this period comes to an end, all regulated sanitary and phytosanitary goods—that is plants, plant products and animal products that are in scope—will be subject to full import controls, as set out in the official controls regulation. It is currently scheduled to end on 1 July 2025, but we will ensure that we communicate well in advance any plans beyond that. We will be working with stake- holders and devolved Governments as we decide how we take this forward. I stress that this is without prejudice to unfettered access, which is guaranteed on a permanent basis and will persist in perpetuity.