Charles 'unconcerned' if Britain leaves EU

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The Prince of Wales has suggested that he would not be concerned if Britain withdrew from the European Union.

The Prince revealed his views when he met Lord Haskins, a businessman admired by Tony Blair who is the Government's Rural Recovery Co-ordinator, to discuss the future of farming. When Lord Haskins argued that EU trade regulations meant that the logical conclusion of the Prince's pro-organic views would be the withdrawal of the Britain from the European Union, the Prince said: "So?"

Although the Prince's allies will claim that he was simply pointing up the importance of sustainability and the environment, the remark will be seized upon by Eurosceptics in all political parties.

The Prince has irked Labour ministers with his views on GM crops, but until now his stance on organic farming has not involved the EU membership debate.

The Prince attended a conference last month to promote niche markets in Britain and the EU for organic produce.

Lord Haskins believes that the foot-and-mouth crisis must lead to shake-out in the industry and last year when he launched an attack on the Prince's own views.

"A lot of agricultural reformers, like the Prince of Wales, want farmers to stand around being subsidised and making thatched roofs. Well, that's for the birds. Agriculture has got to strive to be more competitive and more productive," he said.