HOW ANGLO-FRENCH CONFRONTATION UNFOLDED

BEEF EMBARGO Conservatives accuse Labour of failing to control crisis as farmers urge consumers to continue partial boycott of French goods

THE BAN was reviewed and lifted by the EU five months ago but the affair has remained unresolved.

July 14 - After three years of a trade blockade following the BSE crisis, European Commission announces worldwide exports of British beef can restart 1 August.

August 1 - Farmers celebrate end of ban.

August 3 - France and Germany say they will not lift their ban immediately. Both say there are more questions over safety.

August 4 - The Government voices concern to France, Germany as the possibility of a legal battle looms.

October 1 -The French Food Safety Agency recommends the ban stays for safety reasons.

October 4 - Agriculture Minister Nick Brown declares a personal boycott of French products.

October 22 - Supermarkets boycott French products.

October 25 - Government signals it might ban French meat after EU report says French farmers had fed livestock with sewage.

October 29 - EU Scientific Steering Committee's unanimous verdict - French bant is not justified.

November 5 - UK, French officials meet to "clarify" UK arrangements for safeguarding against BSE.

November 16 - EU food safety commissioner David Byrne announces legal proceedings against France.

November 23 - Britain and France agree a joint "protocol of understanding" meant to clear the way for an imminent resumption of beef exports.

December 6 - French Food Safety Agency in Paris refuses to rule on whether British beef is safe, and passes the buck to Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.

December 8 - At about 10pm British time Mr Jospin announces the decision - the ban will stay in force.