French ban on our beef is illegal

France was today found guilty of flouting European Union law in its continued ban on British beef.

The French government now faces daily fines and the prospect of a renewed row with Britain unless it caves in. The European Court of Justice in Luxembourg ruled that France must resume imports of beef from the UK, despite French government claims that there is still a health risk.

A worldwide ban on British beef was imposed by the EU in 1996 at the height of the BSE crisis. The embargo was lifted three years later after the EU Commission accepted that health checks in Britain had ensured exports would be safe. France, however, refused to comply, claiming its own scientists suggested there was still a risk.

Today's ruling could carry implications for Britain, as it confirms that EU law takes precedence over national law. The Commission had complained the French action was one of the most flagrant breaches in the Community's history.

Today's verdict will have little practical impact even if the French comply. Imports of UK beef had long been on only a small scale.

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