Britain and France in Deep Freeze as Beef War Escalates

The relations between Britain and France have plunged into deep freeze as Prime Minister Tony Blair called for swift legal action to force a lifting of the ban on British beef exports. The move comes after the French government, despite repeated assurances of a compromise, decided to maintain the ban due to ongoing health fears. This decision has sparked a fierce reaction from Britain, with the government accusing France of taking a "wrong and regrettable decision" and threatening to take the matter to the European Court of Justice.

Key Takeaways:

• The French government has maintained its ban on British beef exports despite repeated assurances of a compromise, prompting a sharp reaction from the British government.
• The British government has decided to take the matter to the European Court of Justice, a move that could take several months to complete.
• The European Commission has also expressed disappointment and surprise at the French decision, with Food Safety Commissioner David Byrne saying that "in the circumstances there was no alternative to proceeding with legal action".
• British farmers' leaders are urging consumers to boycott French goods in protest at the French decision.
• The British government is facing criticism for its handling of the dispute, with the Opposition accusing it of being "weak and incompetent".
• The French government denies that the decision was "unfriendly", with Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine saying that France will "do everything to contain the crisis".

Statistics:

• The ban on British beef exports could last for at least several months, with a full hearing in the European Court of Justice potentially taking two years to complete.
• The European Court of Justice can impose fines on France of hundreds of thousands of pounds a day if found in breach of EU law.
• The value of the boycott on French goods is currently unknown, but British farmers' leaders are warning that it could have a significant impact on sales.

Sources:

• "Blair attacks French beef choice", The Times, February 16, 1999.
• European Commission press release, February 16, 1999.
• Speech by Tony Blair, Helsinki European Union summit, February 16, 1999.
• Interview with Nick Brown, Agriculture Minister, Westminster, February 16, 1999.