Seized British lamb cleared to return from Calais

A UK government spokesman said: “We are working closely with French authorities and the companies involved to resolve this situation immediately. We are negotiating an SPS [Sanitary and Phytosanitary] agreement that will boost food trade and remove border checks while protecting our collective biosecurity.”

The breakthrough followed days of pressure from exporters, industry groups, and farmers. West Scottish Lamb, an export abattoir based in Carlisle and responsible for the consignment, confirmed it had received word from the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) on December 10.

A spokesman for the company said: “We have received a message from AIMS confirming that our lorries will be cleared to return to the UK with lamb carcasses. Of course, we can try and trade the lamb we have got left. But it’s a disadvantage to us because they are going to be worth a lot less due to the time they were out in France. However, something is better than nothing.” He added: “It looks like the French authorities were going to completely write off this whole consignment.”

The lamb was initially rejected after French inspectors reportedly found traces of wool on individual carcasses, despite them being stamped fit for human consumption by UK meat inspectors on behalf of the Food Standards Agency.

One of the four loads has likely exceeded the viable time limit for chilled export meat, but the company hopes the remaining three can still be sold once cleared. Charitable donations are also under consideration: “If we can donate 400 carcasses to a charitable cause, we will do. We will stand by our word.”

The incident has reignited concerns over post-Brexit regulatory divergence. Liz Webster, founder of Save British Farming, said: “Our lamb was not rejected because of wool. It was blocked because Europe no longer recognises the UK’s inspection regime as reliably aligned with its own. The government is misleading farmers by pretending an SPS deal is around the corner. It isn’t possible unless ministers abandon their US and India ambitions. Until the UK chooses one direction or the other, exporters will keep facing delays, seizures and devastating losses like the lamb shipment in Calais.”

The National Sheep Association (NSA) welcomed the release, with chief executive Phil Stocker noting the importance of compliance at EU borders. He said the organisation helped “build communication” between the processor and officials, enabling a faster resolution.

Mr Stocker warned exporters to be careful in the future, saying: “If we want the support of our CVO and officials in the future we must not do anything to undermine agreements and trust.” He also urged the FSA to ensure meat inspectors exercise 'due diligence' amid increased scrutiny at EU posts, adding that consignments must leave no room for error.

Gareth Wyn Jones, a hill farmer from North Wales, highlighted the issue on social media after being contacted by the affected companies. He said: “It’s a race against time – every minute counts. These are top-quality British lambs, inspected to the highest standards in the world, and they’ve been held for days by the French government. It’s an absolute disgrace.”

He accused both governments of failing exporters at a critical time just before Christmas: “Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves should be protecting British businesses trying to make a living. Instead, we’re watching our meat get seized in France while lorry loads of illegal meat are allowed to drive straight into the UK with barely a check.”

The NSA said the episode is a timely reminder that EU border checks are becoming increasingly exacting and that maintaining the highest possible standards throughout the supply chain is essential to avoid future disruptions.