Allister hopes to lobby Commissioner on ending of beef ban
29 November 2005
Jim Allister MEP has requested a meeting with the European Commissioner Markos Kyprianou to discuss the lifting of the beef export ban. Mr Allister is concerned that even though the UK beef industry has crossed every hurdle placed in its path there is still no date for the lifting of the ban placed on British beef in 1996.
Mr Allister MEP commented, “I have requested a meeting with Markos Kyprianou as his Commission has ultimate responsibility for tabling a proposal for the lifting of the UK beef ban. I want to spell out to the Commissioner the need for beef exports for the UK beef industry. If the ban is not lifted in the near future, I fear that the UK beef prices will be forced down in the New Year.”
Jim Allister has expressed concern over the removal of the Over Thirty Months Scheme prior to the beef export ban being removed. “The DUP has always pressed for the removal of the OTMS occurring at the same time as the beef export ban being removed. Although I welcome over 30 month cattle being allowed back into the food chain I have concerns about the removal of the OTMS prior to the beef ban being removed. Over the last week the DUP have pressed both the European Commission and the UK Government for the OTMS to remain in place until the beef ban is removed. It is vital that the OTMS remains in place to act as a safety net until new markets are found for beef outside the UK.”
