You gave us this disease dont make matters worse Agnew tells EU in debate on Bluetongue vaccination

During a Parliamentary debate in Strasbourg (7.4.11) on Bluetongue vaccination, UKIP MEP and Norfolk farmer Stuart Agnew has told the EU to let farmers make their own decisions based on their particular circumstances and veterinary advice, not the opinion of bureaucrats in other countries.

He said: As a UK farmer, I will rely on veterinary recommendation not the opinion of bureaucrats in other countries.  I am frustrated that the EU needs to be involved at all.  You gave us this disease, please dont make matters worse. Mr Agnew went on to question why so many measures large and small were having to be recast to conform to the (Lisbon) Treaty on the functioning of the EU, despite many assurances that the new treaty was not a fundamental change.

This topic perfectly illustrates the confusion that so-called co-decisions can lead to.  The British Government will spend what it takes to conform with your ideas but other member states will view things very differently.

Bluetongue is an insect borne, non-contagious virus that affects ruminants, particularly sheep.