UUP MEP says Lord Rooker’s visit to Brussels next week is “long overdue”
Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson said today that Lord Rooker’s visit to Brussels next week to help re launch Northern Ireland beef, after the decision taken last month to end the ban on the export of beef and cattle from the UK, is “long overdue”.
In a statement Mr Nicholson said,
“I welcome Lord Rooker’s visit next week to Brussels. After showing, what can only be described as lukewarm support for the agricultural industry in Northern Ireland, this is the least he could do.
“After many false dawns over the years, on what has been a long and arduous journey towards the lifting of the beef ban, I look forward to attending the event in Brussels next week with other farming leaders to help re launch Northern Ireland beef in Europe.
“However, it will take time to rebuild the export success that Northern Ireland’s beef industry has had in the past. We know that a return to markets will not happen overnight, especially with competition from cheap South American imports, but I am confident that the Province’s farmers and processors have the determination, desire and skills for the task at hand.”