Overview
- The Financial Times-reported draft for an EU–UK veterinary agreement would oblige the UK to cover border infrastructure, equipment, and recruitment and training costs if it later withdraws.
- The draft also sets a participation fee reflecting EU border agency costs, with Wales Online reporting an additional 4% charge, and would require dynamic alignment with evolving EU agri‑food rules.
- Reform UK and the Conservatives say they would scrap the agreement if in power, with Nigel Farage insisting no Parliament can bind its successor and declaring he would not honour such a clause.
- UK officials argue termination provisions are standard and reciprocal, while EU diplomats call the measure a “safety provision” intended to deter a government that might unravel the deal.
- Ministers signal enabling legislation by the end of 2026 for a start in early to mid‑2027, and The Times reports alignment could require repealing the UK’s 2023 gene‑editing law, a prospect opponents say could face legal challenges.