In the past few weeks the European Union has banned the importation of a prized variety of Mango (the Alphonso) from India as a consequence of apparent pest control concerns.

It is right that we protect our own produce and farmers in this country from pests. However we consume up to 47 thousand tonnes of fresh mangoes in the UK every year, they are a favourite fruit for many people, and the block has a negative effect on businesses and is also very damaging for the farmers in India who depend upon their sales.

I have raised this issue with officials in Downing Street, as have other MP’s from across the political spectrum.