Euro MP supports the work of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association
Euro MP Vicky Ford and Newmarket's MP Matthew Hancock promised to keep up their support for the equine sector when they met the leading voice of the UK's racehorse breeding industry this week. The discussions with Louise Kemble, CEO of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA), covered a wide range of issues from the effects of the latest reforms of European Agricultural Policy to the paperwork challenges relating to notifiable diseases.
Around 7,000 jobs are involved in the equine industry in and around Newmarket. Across the UK horse breeding and racing contributes over £3.4billion to the economy every year. The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association has warned of the need for action to stop the spread of infectious equine diseases which are a significant threat to this multi-billion pound industry.
Vicky has already been active in promoting horse issues in Brussels. She has campaigned for improvements in the welfare of horses travelling to slaughter across the continent; for increased research into a vaccine for African Horse Sickness; and to make sure that European safeguards against infectious diseases are not relaxed. She has also been making sure horse breeders are not disadvantaged by recent changes to Europe’s Common Agricultural Policy.
Vicky Ford MEP said: “From the top race horse to the Thewell pony, the equine sector is a very important part of the UK's rural culture. Newmarket is not only the home of racing, it is also home to world leading breeders and many jobs rely on this. Organisations like the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association in Newmarket and Norfolk based World Horse Welfare, do a great job and it is vital their concerns on international issues are addressed.”
Louise Kemble, CEO, Thoroughbred Breeders Association said: “Our meeting enabled us to brief Matthew and Vicky on the findings of our Economic Impact Study as well as discuss trade and veterinary issues affecting breeders both domestically and internationally. The British Breeding Industry makes an annual economic contribution of £281 million to the economy and it is therefore vital that the TBA remains committed to finding solutions to these issues, not just for members but for the wider rural community. We cannot overstate the value of the positive support we receive from both Vicky Ford and Matthew Hancock. Since taking office as MEP for the East of England, Vicky and her colleagues have always been on hand to provide the TBA with unstinting support. Their input has helped to safeguard the Breeding Industry on a number of occasions, and maintaining this work is particularly important with the upcoming European elections”.
Matthew Hancock MP said: “I’m working hard with Vicky Ford to stand up for Newmarket and the racing industry. We are working in partnership to put local issues at the top of the agenda in Westminster and fight our corner in Brussels.”