Britain secures BSE victory in Brussels

24 July 1997

Britain secures BSE victory in Brussels

Britain has secured one victory on the BSE front in Brussels.

The European Commission has voted to bring European meat standards into line with regulations existing in the UK. Britain was threatening to refuse imports of continental beef unless the measure was agreed.

Ian Gardiner, policy director of the National Farmers Union, was encouraged by the decision. He said it was significant that the council had apparently changed its mind on the basis of scientific advice. He felt the Commission might also be persuaded to change its mind on the beef ban if presented with scientific advice too.