Shepway's Shops Must Not Suffer Due to Chinese Textile Farce

Commenting on the talks between Chinese and EU negotiators regarding textile imports, Liberal Democrat Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary, Norman Lamb MP said:

"The current situation with enormous stockpiles of textiles sitting in warehouses is utterly ludicrous. Retailers ordered goods under the impression they were operating in a free trade market place, only to be told quotas have been re-instated without any consultation or discussion.

"The timing of these quotas suggests that it was a result of French pressure in the run up to the EU Constitution Referendum in June. It is totally unfair that British retailers should end up paying for the consequences of internal French politics.

"The EU must now act quickly to address this farcical situation. If it remains unresolved it could have serious impact on British retailers who will be unable to stock their shelves in time for Christmas. An urgent resolution must be agreed even if it only involves buying time by bringing forward next year's quotas."