Keith Vaz asks EU to lift ban on Indian mangoes

LONDON: Indian-origin British lawmaker Keith Vaz today asked the European Union to reconsider its ban on import of Indian mangoes as the Food and Veterinary Office of the 28-member bloc is expected to give a favourable report.

The longest serving Member of British Parliament of Asian-origin, Vaz tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons, calling upon the UK government to support revoking the ban.

"The investigation by the European Union Food and Veterinary Office has created an important opportunity to end this damaging and unnecessary ban, which I and others have repeatedly campaigned against," he said introducing the motion.

"Businesses across the United Kingdom and India have been harmed by the decision to ban imports earlier this year, with costs from lost trade in the hundreds of thousands, if not millions," he added.

Vaz had campaigned against the decision since it was enforced earlier this year and had travelled to the EU's headquarters in Brussels to meet the concerned commissioners.

Lauding the steps taken by India to address EU's concerns in this regard, he said: "I am pleased to see recognition of the improvements made by India to guarantee these exports are safe, and strongly urge the European Union to once again allow this delicious fruit to be imported by member states."

He further urged the British government to demonstrate their commitment to its ties with India and make representations to the EU on this matter.

Britain is the largest importer of Indian mangoes among the EU nations. PTI HSR VG NSA AKJ NSA 12041827 NNNN



Sent at 7:10 PM on Thursday