One of the NSA's principal concerns is whether time spent at livestock markets, collection centres and sale grounds would count towards the maximum permitted journey time. According to the NSA, around 9.5 million sheep were traded through livestock markets in England and Wales during 2025. Mr Priestley said that if governments were committed to significantly reducing journey times, they would also need to invest in rebuilding regional livestock infrastructure. The NSA said the UK sheep industry had a strong record of delivering high standards of animal welfare while supporting rural economies, communities and landscapes. It is calling for sheep farmers, livestock markets, hauliers and processors to be fully involved before any revised transport rules are incorporated into a future UK-EU agreement.