The Prime Minister’s UK-India Diaspora Champion, Priti Patel MP, has welcomed the decision taken by the European Commission to lift the ban on the import of Alphonso Mangos from India.
Ms Patel, who worked with the UK Government and lobbied to European Commission to reverse the ban imposed last year, said: “The ban on mangoes from India has been devastating for many Indian businesses in the UK and growers in India. It has also deprived the Indian Diaspora and the rest of the UK of being able to enjoy great tasting mangos. I have been working closely with colleagues in the Government to secure the lifting of the ban and today’s news is welcome. However, we all now need to get behind Alphonso mangoes to ensure that they once again have the demand needed to support growers and businesses trading with them.”
Ms Patel also commented on the process used by the EU to impose the ban and added: “Many Indians in the UK were left confused and disappointed by the way the European Union and this unelected and unaccountable Commissioners were able to arbitrarily ban the import of these mangos. This case has highlighted the need for the EU to be reformed and for voters to have a referendum on our membership of the EU, which is something that only a Conservative Government can deliver.”