UK hit with €60m EU fine

The UK was hit yesterday with a €60 million penalty because of weaknesses relating to claims made for ineligible land under the European Union common agricultural policy.

Two thirds of the failings are linked to claims made for land under bracken or covered in trees relate back to 2008 and cover both England and Scotland. The size of the fine puts the UK at the top of the penalty league, ahead of Poland and Denmark both of whom had similar problems in reconciling their land areas with the European Commission rules.

In total some €180m was removed from member states’ accounts.

ANDREW ARBUCKLE