Euro MP who defied beef ban welcomes end to embargo

11.39.03am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 3rd May 2006

Liz Lynne defied the beef ban in 1999

An MEP who personally defied the ban on British beef today welcomed the lifting of the European Union ban.

Liz Lynne, Lib Dem MEP, made headlines across Europe in 1999 when she carried a piece of prime Herefordshire beef past French customs. She later cooked and ate it with her colleagues in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Welcoming the lifting of the export ban today, Liz Lynne said:

"The lifting of this ridiculous ban is long overdue, and I am delighted that British farmers are once again able to export their beef."

"British beef is not only the best tasting beef in the world, it is the safest, with British farmers operating safety standards which are among the highest in the world."

"There's no doubt that this ban has hit British farmers, including many in my constituency, particularly hard. But ending the embargo will enable them to get on with their lives and compete again in the European marketplace."

"I am now looking forward to eating British beef in the European Parliament without fear of prosecution!"

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The National Farmers' Union estimates the ban has cost its members trade worth £675m a year.