Illegal EU meat imports and biosecurity

Early day motion 940, tabled 12 March 2025 by Carla Lockhart (DUP). Signed by 4 members.

That this House expresses deep concern over the growing threat posed by illegal EU meat imports, including at the Port of Larne; notes that nearly 100 tonnes of illegal meat were seized at Dover in 2023, some originating from regions affected by African Swine Fever; further notes that current border security measures are inadequate, with the majority of checks at Dover taking place 20 miles inland at Sevington rather than at the point of entry; recognises that this system allows illegal imports to evade detection and poses a severe risk to the UK’s biosecurity, public health, and agriculture sector; and calls on the Government to urgently review the Border Target Operating Model, strengthen enforcement against illegal meat smuggling, increase funding for on-site inspections at ports, and ensure robust measures are in place to protect the UK’s disease-free status.

Signatures by party: DUP 2, Conservative 1, Independent 1.