Clearly labelled

PERHAPS there is some merit, after all, in the European Union? Having published a very critical appraisal of the Government's plans to reduce the budget deficit, it is now throwing its full weight behind this newspaper's "Clearly British" campaign – and the need for country of origin clarity on all food labelling.

Backed by MEPs, its reforms now have to go before the full European Parliament where there's a good chance that they will be ratified later this year. It's a tremendous breakthrough for farmers and food campaigners, given that the EU was saying, not so very long ago, that it had little scope to influence issues like labelling.

This is also a vindication of the proactive stance taken by Hilary Benn, the Leeds MP and Environment Secretary. Through gentle

persuasion, he has persuaded the major supermarkets to take the lead, champion British produce and say where their produce actually comes from.

Yet, given the volume of food imports and exports, it is important that such an approach operates across Europe. For once, the EU deserves credit for putting the public interest first – albeit belatedly. It just needs to finish off the job.