Trade broadside for Argentina from MEP Emma McClarkin

Protectionist measures by South American countries such as Argentina were condemned in the European Parliament by Conservative MEP Emma McClarkin.

The East Midlands MEP intervened during a debate on the progress of an EU trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc to highlight discrimination against British companies because of tension over the Falkland Islands.

Miss McClarkin told MEPs:

“The potential benefits of an agreement between the EU and Mercosur are enormous, a combined market of 800 million citizens. However, it is regrettable that we now find ourselves no further forward almost three years down the line.

“Both parties need to give significant political backing in order to move negotiations forward. Both sides must be willing to open up their markets in a mutually beneficial manner and it is in this vein that I condemn recent protectionist measures taken by some Mercosur countries.

“For example, there is a strong case to be made for repeated and systemic violation of World Trade Organisation rules by Argentina, including cases where the WTO should rule in favour of the EU.

“There are tense relations between the UK and Argentina – due to the fact that we respect the UN-enshrined right of the Falkland Islanders to self-determination.

“We are worried that these relations have led to discrimination against British businesses. This is of course unacceptable.

“We must continue to encourage open markets and I call on the support of the parliament and member states against unjustified economic actions.”