MPwelcomes endofbanon beeftoChina

Stirling MP Stephen Kerr has welcomed the resumption of beef exports to China.

The Department for International Trade have announced that exports of beef to China are to resume after negotiations, in a move that could be worth an estimated £230 million for British producers in the next five years.

The move comes more than 20 years after the Chinese government banned UK imports of beef in 1996.

Mr Kerr said: “This is great news for all Scotch beef farmers, who will be able to access a huge new market for their product. It’s particularly good news for Stirling, where we have a significant beef sector, a strong network of cattle farmers and high quality industries supporting them.

“This drive to open up new markets must be maintained as a priority and every opportunity realised.”

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: “Today’s step is welcome progress for our world-leading British beef producers, who will soon be able to export their products to one of the world’s largest economies, supporting local jobs and bringing millions of pounds to the UK economy each year.

“This comes as a result of years of hard work across Government, including at the Department for International Trade, and marks the next step in realising our global trading ambitions. As we leave the European Union, we will continue to break down market access barriers to make it easier for UK businesses to trade across the world.”