Anger at EU ‘failure’ over battery ban

Almost 20 months have passed since the European Union deadline which banned the production of eggs from battery caged hens and yet a number of member states have still not complied with the legislation.

Yesterday, Scottish MEP George Lyon called on the European Commission to take strong action against those countries that were continuing to flout the ban. Lyon said the failure to act decisively against those countries sent “absolutely the wrong message” about the commitment of the EU to animal welfare.

“We need to see strong enforcement action against those member states that have not got to grips with the new rules,” he said.

“We also know that the fact some countries continue to use these cruel but inexpensive production methods has left farmers in the UK at a real disadvantage. Many of our farms simply cannot compete with these cut-price practices.

“The Commission needs to tell us who is yet to comply with the rules and what is being done to force them into line.”

ANDREW ARBUCKLE