The problems associated with the illegal beef ban rumble on. There seemed to be a clear victory lastweekend, with the EU scientific committee providing unanimous support for the safety of our beef, but perhaps not surprisingly, the French would not accept it.
The Minister's trip to France for discussions has now resulted in him agreeing to another investigation into the various aspects of the Date-based Export scheme. This is not only deeply disappointing to our farmers, but I believe, very damaging to the European Commission.
These issues should have been cleared before drawing up the scheme. In truth they were, but France has always abstained whenever the vote was taken.
If qualified majority voting is to mean anything at all it must ensure hat, when a majority have agreed, everyone, including those against, accept the majority verdict.
This is clearly not the case with France, who seem to think that they can have their own veto. Curiously this is exactly what the Conservatives are advocating for all Member States, surely a recipe for anarchy and disaster.
I have been prepared to support the Government in its handling of the affair until now, but I can do so no longer. The decision to allow France to reopen the whole case was not wise, nor was it in anyone's interest, except France's.
It is widely known that they are looking fora 'face saving' solution and, whilst I would not want to make it more difficult for them, I see no reason to actively help them, bearing in mind their illegal actions.
Nick Brown is by nature a compromiser and he likes to seek common agreement. Unfortunately his good nature is now being taken advantage of.
The European Comm-ission has been equally weak. I have, therefore, said to the Government that there must be no further prevarication, no more negotiation and no more capitulation and France must lift its illegal ban by next week or we start legal proceedings and expect the European Commission to do the same.