'Whitehall couldn't miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity' - Watson

6.08.14pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 4th Oct 2006

Today's decision by EU member state governments to agree new trade tariffs for Chinese and Vietnamese shoes marks a disappointing day for free trade - and for British shoppers.

For the next two years, imports from China will face tariffs of 16.5%, and imports from Vietnam will face a 10% levy after a long battle between producer countries and distributors. Today's compromise was reached in COREPER (the Committee of Permanent Representatives in the EU) acting on behalf of Member States.

Commenting on the decision, Graham Watson Liberal Democrat MEP for the South West and Gibraltar said:

"This deal will deny my constituents the benefits of lower cost shoes and people in China and Vietnam the benefits of free trade. For two years, UK consumers will be taxed for their government's inability to defend their interests at the negotiating table. With children now back to school, parents will have to dig deeper in their pockets for shoes. As usual, Whitehall couldn't miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity".