EU policy 'causes starvation'

Labour's war of words with the French government will heat up this week when the UK launches a new attack on the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as a cause of starvation in the Third World.

The new onslaught has been launched by a trio of women cabinet ministers – the Trade and Industry Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, the Environment Secretary, Margaret Beckett, and the International Development Secretary, Clare Short.

In an article signed by all three, published exclusively in today's Independent on Sunday, they warn: "This week the typical British family will pay out around £16 to subsidise European food production."

Ms Hewitt plans to take the fight to Tuesday's meeting of Europe's newly created Competitiveness Council. Although she is unlikely to single out France, it is the main defender of the CAP.