West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today celebrated a £100m boost to the UK economy after helping to end a 16-year ban on exporting British beef to Russia. The MP led a trade mission to Russia last year to start negotiations which has led to today's announcement and hosted a visit by Russian Government officials in the spring to promote local agriculture. Harriett's trade delegation to Russia included Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens who held high-level talks on the issue during the trip with his Russian counterpart. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson and Russian deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich concluded the deal which will start with the export of meat products worth £9m in the first year. British farmers had 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 lift this ban and open up formal trade links. 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 last year 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. “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.”