EURO MPs have demanded action over the French plan to ban all imports of British lamb from Monday.

West Midlands Conservative MEPs Philip Bushill-Matthews and Malcolm Harbour had a face-to-face meeting with EU Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler to demand immediate action in response.

Philip Bushill-Matthews commented: "France is insisting that the spinal cord is removed from the carcasses of all lambs over six months old, claiming this is necessary to protect against TSE (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy).

"This ban would send the price of UK lamb into free fall, further slashing the incomes of local farmers, already at an all-time low.

"This is yet another example of France acting in a protectionist way simply to placate French farmers, and they must not be allowed to get away with it.

"EU Health Commissioner David Byrne has confirmed that UK lamb exports pose no risk to public health, that the French plan is a clear breach of European law, and that action will be taken in the European Court."

Malcolm Harbour added: "Commissioner Fischler personally assured Philip and myself that he will do everything possible to ensure that Single Market rules apply to all Member States, and that this includes France.

"In the absence of similarly strong words from our own Government, Conservative MEPs will be keeping up pressure on the Commission to ensure that this promise is kept without delay."