Opinion

The problems of BSE appear mainly political. But if by some divine intervention all the European governments decided that British beef is supreme, and they agreed publicly that no tests have proved a connection between mad cows and dying diners, beef sales would still be slumping. The problem is about belief, and politicians do not have the right sort of background to rekindle the fires of confidence, particularly when scientific evidence has been replaced to a large measure by scientific opinion. Why else has the German public, not much taken with eating John Bull's products, turned against its own BSE free meat? Is it perhaps because CJD cases are higher in Germany than in the UK? What has led to a devastating revulsion against a product that has no links with our condemned animals? The German political machine is moving in one direction only. It believes that its electors are ignoring wholesome red meat because in Britain there is an animal disease that could be linked to a ghastly, human, killer mutation. To the fevered imagination, any risk, however small, is not worth taking. Their answer is to eradicate BSE. And as the UK has been singularly lax in pursuing this end quickly, the bans will stay. Meanwhile, the UK government can dwell on a few more unpalatable truths. There is a growing movement against carcase meat supported by many lobbies: animal welfare, healthy eating, the poultry sector are just three examples. And the comparative price does not give beef much advantage. The UK's macho attitudes to Europe have not gone unnoted (yes, those Johnny Foreigners do read our tabloid press). The slaughter policy at home, compensation, a plan to restore confidence have not been addressed satisfactorily, and the disaffection and difficulties here are known to our European partners. Our negotiations have been intransigent and definite, until the final moment, when we have given way. We are not considered seriously when we say "no" or when we threaten. And all because of a stupid, unproven admission.