But it will not extend and apply to Northern Ireland, with the UK Government saying this is to ensure Northern Ireland farmers have unfettered access to the UK and Republic of Ireland markets. Attempts by the DUP to ensure Northern Ireland was incorporated in the Bill, including a bid for the export ban not to apply to the Republic of Ireland, failed on Monday. The Government has previously said the Bill is only possible now the UK has left the European Union. Elsewhere in the debate, Labour suggested extending the livestock ban to include alpacas, llamas and deer. The Bill received an unopposed third reading and will undergo further scrutiny in the House of Lords at a later date.

Source: The Herald January 15, 2024 21:56 UTC