Damning report due on BSE

Senior politicians are bracing themselves for stinging criticism with the publication today of the long-awaited Phillips report into the BSE crisis.

Senior politicians are bracing themselves for stinging criticism with the publication today of the long-awaited Phillips report into the BSE crisis.

Former Conservative agriculture minister John Gummer was among those likely to be singled out. Civil servants are also likely to be criticised for failing to act quickly enough.

The 16-volume report follows a three-year inquiry costing £27 million.

The Government is expected to unveil details of compensation packages for victims and their families.