Margaret Beckett has welcomed news that the European Union is to lift a ban no exports of British beef.

The worldwide ban was imposed 10 years ago in a bid to prevent the spread of mad cow disease.

But veterinary experts meeting on Wednesday decided it was now safe to recommend a lifting of the restrictions.

"Britain's farmers produce high quality beef which will be in demand across Europe once the ban is lifted," said the environment secretary.

"We know that our beef is, at the very least, as safe as beef produced anywhere else in the EU."

And Number 10 said: "Clearly we welcome that, we believe it recognises the vast progress that has been made in ensuring safety.

"We think it is very good for the British beef industry and that it is a significant milestone."

And shadow agriculture minister Jim Paice said: "Thank goodness that this black period for our beef industry is over.

"British beef is amongst the best and safest in the world. Now it is essential that the government does all it can to facilitate beef and livestock exports.

"Whilst we would prefer all animals to be reared and killed with the minimum travel, hundreds of thousands of calves have been shot at birth because there is no market for them in Britain.

"Now that transport rules have improved and veal crates are about to be banned, calf exports should resume under strict enforcement of the new rules.

"For dairy farmers the extra income is essential when milk prices are so low."

And in Wales, environment minister Carwyn Jones predicted: "Welsh farmers produce high quality beef which will be in demand across Europe once the ban is lifted."