West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today celebrated a massive boost to the UK economy after helping to end a long-standing ban on exporting British beef to Russia. The MP recently led a trade mission to Russia to start negotiations which has led to today’s announcement. The delegation included Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens who held high-level talks on the issue during the trip with his Russian counterpart. Harriett was joined on the trip by DEFRA back bench committee chair Neil Parish MP and has worked with fellow Midlands MP Daniel Kawcynski who has lobbied for a lifting of the ban. And two weeks ago, Russian agricultural trade experts toured the farms of two other members of Harriett’s delegation - NFU president Adam Quinney and cattle marketer Dan Morris. British farmers have been prevented from exporting livestock to Russia since the BSE outbreak in the 1990s. However recent discussions between the two Governments have led to a commitment to re-assess the ban. Harriett commented: “British beef is highly valued across the world and it is a huge boost to our economy to put our beef back on the menu for Russian importers. “I was given early indications that my invitation to meet with the Governor of Bryansk during the summer was part of a wider effort to build bridges between our two countries. “I am delighted to have played a part in helping to lift a ban which has been in place for too long. Congratulations to everyone involved. “This is great news for British farmers and great news for our economy which will see millions of pounds of trade between our countries over the coming years. “Russia is the UK’s fastest-growing export market and I am sure there are many other opportunities for our businesses.”