Beckett sums up 4-year tenure

DEFRA SECRETARY Margaret Beckett has said her proudest achievement since being in charge at DEFRA was securing reform of the CAP.

In an interview with The Guardian newspaper Mrs Beckett described how reform of the CAP coupled with Russia‘s decision to ratify the Kyoto protocol were her proudest accomplishments since the 2001 general election.

If re-elected she said the one piece of legislation she would most like to see enacted a Marine Act “to enable better planning of all sea uses, including wildlife and industry”.

Asked about her life away from government Mrs Beckett described how she and her husband Leo enjoyed “going off in the caravan” as well as enjoying a curry with family and friends and spending time alone together.