EU policy `causes starvation'

Labour's war of words with the French government will heat up this week when the UK launches a new attack on the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as a cause of starvation in the Third World.

The new onslaught has been launched by a trio of women cabinet ministers - the Trade and Industry Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, the Environment Secretary, Margaret Beckett, and the International Development Secretary, Clare Short.

In an article signed by all three, published exclusively in today's Independent on Sunday, they warn: "This week the typical British family will pay out around pounds 16 to subsidise European food production."

Ms Hewitt plans to take the fight to Tuesday's meeting of Europe's Competitiveness Council. Although she is unlikely to single out France, it is the CAP's main defender.

Margaret Beckett, Patricia Hewitt and Clare Short, p24

Copyright 2002 Independent Newspapers UK Limited
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.