France ruling – what the papers say
14 December 2001
France ruling – what the papers say
By Adrienne Francis
THE ruling by European judges that France should lift its embargo on British beef is featured in four of Britains national papers.
The Guardian says the ruling opens the door to a flood of compensation claims from British farmers and companies.
They now have a firm legal basis to sue the French government for loss of earnings through French courts, the paper says.
But the possibility that France will defy the court and face fines cannot be ruled out because of the countrys powerful farming lobby, it adds.
The Times says the ruling may strengthen the National Farmers Union argument in a legal action seeking compensation.
France will use the European Unions cumbersome legal process to postpone a decision for years before facing the fines, it adds.
A large picture of British farmers protesting outside the French embassy in October accompanies the news piece.
The Independent says the judgement is not of any immediate help to British farmers because the UK is not exporting any beef.
But it says the judgement is an important victory for the British government and for the European Commission.
The French government plans to play for time, but will eventually have to comply with the judgement, it says.
The Daily Mail accuses the French government of using stalling tactics to “flout” the order to put British beef back on the menu.
A half-page story also accuses Rural Affairs Secretary Margaret Beckett of refusing to get tough with Paris.
Mrs Beckett went out of her way not to upset the French, and her stance threatens to reduce the European unions legal system to a farce, it claims.
If current BSE disease patterns continue, the French total in 2002 will be above 350, overtaking the figure of 300 predicted for Britain, the paper adds.
- Lift beef ban now, France told, FWi, 14 December, 2001
- France ordered to end beef ban, FWi, 13 December, 2001
- NFU confident French to lose action, FWi, 11 December, 2001