Sir Teddy Taylor believes it is now time for Britain to stop being the "mugs of Europe", after the French refused to lift a ban on British beef.

The Southend East and Rochford Tory MP said: "When we have the experts from the EU saying there are no problems, what possible reason can they have?

"We have been the soft touch of Europe for too long - Britain's problem is that other countries follow European rules when it suits them, and we follow them all the time."

MPs from all parties were united in their condemnation of France's insistence it will not accept British beef back onto its shelves.

The decision flies in the face of EU experts who have passed the beef as safe, and Rayleigh Tory MP Dr Michael Clark said their stubbornness was now purely political.

He said: "If the French had some scientific reasons for not wanting it I could have some sympathy, but this is not a scientific decision - it is simply a political one taken by their cabinet.

"They are protecting their own market and banning British beef to protect their farmers, and I am hoping we will now protect our farmers."

Angela Smith , Labour MP for Basildon and Thurrock, was "absolutely appalled" at the news.

She said: "Everyone is extremely angry with the French. We have the evidence and the law on our side.

"This is a matter of law. We hoped it could be resolved quickly. Now there is no other option but to take legal action. That is going to be a lengthy process which is not ideal for farmers."

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