West MEP welcomes end to 10 year British beef export ban

12.00.00am GMT Wed 8th Mar 2006

Following today's news that the EU's Scientific Veterinary Committee backed the lifting of the ban on exports of British beef, South West Lib Dem MEP Graham Watson said:

"I am delighted that the ban has been lifted almost ten years ago to the very day it was put in place. British beef will now be back on French markets, but sadly not on menus in countries we have traditionally considered allies, such as the USA and Canada. This shows the power of the legal process in the EU."

The resolution will first come before the European Parliament before returning to the Commission, where the measures to lift the ban will be adopted. It is anticipated that it will be 6-7 weeks before British beef returns to continental markets. Mr Watson continued:

"Public concerns about food safety will remain high but with this huge endorsement from the EU Veterinary Committee, British beef exporters will be able to re-establish the quality of British beef on European tables. Animal welfare should remain a priority, and the resumption of crate-reared veal calves ought not to be permitted."