To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, further to the Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations 2024, for an update on Ministerial direction and control over disease awareness, preparedness and control in relation to animal and plant health.

The Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations 2024 came into force on 12 April 2024.

There are currently 19 pieces of EU legislation where the Secretary of State has not exercised his discretion not to exercise direction and control, that is, they are now subject to the direction and control of the Secretary of State. A list of these has been deposited in the Assembly Library and can be accessed via the link below.

https://www.niassembly.gov.uk/globalassets/documents/raise/deposited-papers/2024/dp1767.pdf

From 17 May 2024, the Defra Secretary of state has exercised discretion in the areas of disease awareness, disease preparedness and disease control in relation to animal and plant health and these matters are now under my ministerial responsibility.

This discretion should be understood in the context of the Secretary of State’s criteria for retaining direction and control, which includes:

•operational arrangements at Northern Ireland ports and airports concerning the movement of goods between GB and NI;

•policy developments and legislation that would impact movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and

•new EU laws which replace regulations under Annex II of the Windsor Framework.