Britain Wins Comprehensive Victory in Brussels Over French Beef Ban

David Byrne, the European Commissioner for Consumer Protection, declared that British beef had been "fully vindicated" after a unanimous decision by 16 top European scientists that it was as safe as that from any other European country. The ruling criticizes France's refusal to lift its ban on British beef, calling for a swift settlement of the month-long dispute. Tony Blair expressed delight at the verdict, which vindicates his refusal to initiate a trade war against France. The ruling gives the Commission the scientific opinion it needs to take France to court, but an amicable solution may still be possible.

Key Takeaways:

• British beef has been declared as safe as any other European country by 16 top European scientists.
• The scientists' unanimous verdict was that there was no reason to tighten the present safeguards for British beef.
• David Byrne, the European Commissioner for Consumer Protection, called on France and Germany to lift their bans on British beef.
• Tony Blair expressed delight at the verdict, which vindicated his refusal to initiate a trade war against France.
• The Commission will now take France to court over its refusal to lift the ban.
• France's refusal to lift the ban may be seen as a diplomatic humiliation and domestic embarrassment.
• Nick Brown, the Agriculture Minister, said the ball is now in the French Government's court to make a face-saving gesture.
• The French Government is facing alternatives: either continuing to flout EU law, which may invite legal action, or bowing to the EU's decision and being accused of surrender against the national interest.

Statistics:

• 16 top European scientists ruled that British beef was as safe as other European countries.
• 2 days of intense deliberations by the scientists led to the unanimous verdict.
• 600 pages of documentation were sent by the French Government to Brussels to justify its stance on the ban.
• 15-page report and 15-member Commission's Scientific Steering Committee assessed the documentation.
• Tony Blair has stated that British farmers will continue to work with the Commission to make sure the decision is implemented and help them recover from the BSE disaster.

Sources:

• The Times, Copyright (C) The Times, 1999.