BRING ON THE BEEF CLAIMS KEETCH

7.31.52pm GMT Wed 8th Mar 2006

Liberal Democrats MP Paul Keetch

West Midlands Liberal Democrats MP Paul Keetch is delighted by today's news that a worldwide ban on British beef exports has been lifted by the EU - 10 years after it was introduced to prevent the spread of BSE.

The resolution will go to the European Commission, which will adopt the measures lifting the ban in around six weeks.

"I am delighted by today decision," said Mr Keetch. "I have campaigned hard to lift the ban on British beef in and around Herefordshire for many years. Local farmers have suffered terribly from the effects of the BSE outbreak in the 1990s and I thoroughly welcome this announcement by the EU.

"Herefordshire cattle are among the best breeds in the world and our farmers produce high quality beef, I am sure that demand will soar across Europe when the ban is lifted.

"I urge British tourists in Europe to demand to be served British beef in restaurants. I also recommend that British diplomatic missions and the armed forces should follow suit and start serving British beef."