The UK is ramping up its biosecurity protections (Image: Getty)
A ￡1billion investment in a new national biosecurity centre will help tackle animal disease outbreaks and the risk of future pandemics, the Government has said. The announcement is part of a new national security strategy being unveiled on Tuesday. The facility will join a network of government laboratories to protect the public and respond to biological security risks.
The funding for the next phase of a biosecurity centre at Weybridge, Surrey, comes after warnings from the National Audit Office that the Government was not properly prepared for a major outbreak of animal disease. Animal diseases such as bird flu, bluetongue and African swine fever can pose serious threats to England’s farming sector, food security, and wildlife, and are a major and increasing risk to public health.
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Dr Neil Hudson, shadow minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “The Labour Government have finally realised the importance of biosecurity and funding the APHA at Weybridge.
“I have asked 17 times in this current Parliament for this funding to be delivered – it should not have taken this long. I welcome that they have finally listened to the Conservatives on this, but the Labour Government however needs to provide clarity as they have failed to announce the necessary full figure of ￡1.4billion needed to complete the project that the last government started, and they now need to step up to the plate and fully fund the site at Weybridge and complete it at pace.
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“As a veterinary surgeon, I spent a period in the front line in the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak, so I know firsthand how important this funding is, and how crucial it is that Labour delivers it promptly. We will continue to raise the importance of biosecurity and hold Labour to account, especially as we face other outbreaks, like Avian Influenza and Bluetongue. Labour must do even more, to avoid letting our farmers and consumers down.”
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About 60% of all known human infectious diseases can be transmitted from animals to people, and three-quarters of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals, officials warned.
The “record” investment will complete the redevelopment of the crumbling animal science facilities at Weybridge, which the National Audit Office (NAO) recently warned was at “very high” risk of site failure.
It aims to enhance detection, surveillance and control measures for high-risk animal diseases such as foot and mouth, officials said.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: “The first role of any government is national security.
“That is why we are making a record investment into the nation’s biosecurity capabilities and, in turn, our national security, after years of chronic underfunding.
“Farmers and food producers will now be better protected from diseases, our food security strengthened, and public health better safeguarded against future pandemics.”
Jenny Stewart, senior science director at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, which runs the labs, said the funding was a “vital milestone” in delivering the new facilities.
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“Our scientists and specialists at Weybridge are at the heart of the UK’s disease surveillance and response capability and provide a global centre of expertise.
“Investment on this scale will enable them to continue their critical work in modern, fit-for-purpose facilities, supported by the very latest technologies.”
The Government said work was already under way at the Weybridge site, with the first interim labs to support science ready in 2027 and 2028. The national biosecurity centre is due to be operational in 2033-34.
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