Allister rebukes Council of Ministers for inaction on Brazilian beef
06 September 2007
Jim Allister followed up the initiative in Strasbourg, demanding a ban on imports of Brazilian beef imports, by raising the issue with the Council of Ministers during parliamentary question time. Sadly, it is clear that the EU, which held a summit with Brazil in July, is sitting on its hands on this issue. Mairead McGuinness MEP had asked the Portuguese President of the Council whether at the EU-Brazil Summit on 4 July he had raised concerns about import of Brazilian beef.
From his evasive answer it was clear he had not, causing Jim Allister to intervene with this sharp riposte:-
Jim Allister (NI) – "I take that answer as a ‘no’ to Mrs McGuinness’ question; that you did not trouble to press the Brazilian authorities about the lamentable health standards pertaining to their beef exports and the total lack of traceability in respect of their livestock herds.
It will come as a grave disappointment to farming and consumer interests across Europe that, when you had the opportunity, you failed to press this all-important issue.
When is the Council going to wake up to the health implications for the citizens of Europe and press Brazil for realistic traceability in respect of their livestock?"
