Import of illegal meat

Motion Text

That this House recognises lack of adequate action on the importation of illegal meat coming in to the UK via ports like Dover; notes that Dover Port Health has now removed over 300 tonnes of illegal meat; further notes that this has been a recognised issue for over two decades with a National Audit Office report as far back as 2005; acknowledges that there remains inadequate action in the prevention of illegal imports; also notes that there is a lack of power for authorities to punish those that smuggle illegal meats; further recognises that there is evidence this could contribute to a rise in antimicrobial resistance and that unregulated meats entering the country put the UK at risk of catastrophic disease outbreaks like foot-and-mouth disease or African swine fever; and believes that the Government should take biosecurity seriously to prevent the next notifiable disease outbreak.