We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.French snub Britain in CAP talks
FRANCE has attempted to freeze Britain out of key talks on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), it has emerged.
Bruno Le Maire, the French agriculture Minister, will signal his intent to form a strong coalition of nations to protect farm subsidies beyond 2013 at a high-level meeting in Paris on Thursday (December 10).
The French Minister sent a formal invitation to 21 EU Member States but neglected to invite the so-called ‘CAP reformists’ of Britain, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and Malta.
Defra has played down fears that a French-led coalition of nations will shape the future of the CAP, and will send a representative to the talks.
Nevertheless, the aim of Mr Le Maire’s meeting will cause concern to Defra officials who wish to scale back the CAP.
Mr Le Maire told the Financial Times his meeting was for nations with ‘the same ambition’.
“France is the biggest agricultural power in Europe and it is not illegitimate for it to reflect on this and associate all other member states that want a strong CAP.
“If the UK ever wanted to join us and sign an appeal for a strong CAP, it would be welcome,” he said.
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn welcomed the French initiative to open the debate and looked forward to talking with Mr Le Maire in the New Year, but said he could not attend the Paris meeting due to ‘prior diary commitments’.
A Defra spokesperson said there was no rift with France.
“The UK and France have regular discussions on a number of issues at both official and Ministerial level.
“The UK is clear that we need a wide-ranging and in-depth discussion on future CAP to ensure farmers are prepared for the future, and we look forward to continuing discussions with all EU Member States,” said the spokesperson.
Readers' comments (5)
Anonymous | 8 December 2009 12:17 pm
Is it any wonder we are left out of talks when Mr Benn can't attend discussion on what essentially forms the basis of a huge amount of the work DEFRA should be responsible for. Proir diary commitments?! No doubt they have absolutely nothing to do with the future of british farmers or geniune rural communities. At least without him there the reforms may be correctly targeted at agriculture. It looks simlar to EID and pesticides talks that DEFRA ignored until it was to late to register any objections.
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Bazza Hawkeye | 8 December 2009 12:48 pm
The farming industry has little chance of anything while DEFRA is run by rural hateing, tree hugging, can't be bothered lefties. Defra has no idea about the countryside now and Benn is the last person you would wish to lead the countryside into a better place for its workers and residents. Typical of this government's attitude to the UK generally really. Oity i'm too old to move to New Zealand!!
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Anonymous | 8 December 2009 1:48 pm
just another example of this governments total lack of support for the great British countryside.In my 40 years of farming i have never known a government to destroy so many centuries good work,and to cap it all they think we will be another soft touch for more tax rises thus destroying yet more jobs. CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE GET RID OF THEM.
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ANDY Dorset | 8 December 2009 3:36 pm
Simple =get OUT of Europe
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Peake.A.C | 15 December 2009 5:05 pm
Andy, Dorset
Simple =get OUT of Europe,
WRONG get into Europe, move to the mainland, unless you are a little englander, and wish to stay in little England, I made the move to France, best move I ever made
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