Brian Simpson has welcomed a new law, approved on Wednesday 6 July, that will give local shoppers the right to know where their meat has come from and allow them to choose produce from British farms.

Mr Simpson has been campaigning for tough new rules to stop shoppers from being misled by confusing or unclear labels on meat.

Speaking about the vote, which is expected to receive the overwhelming support of Euro-MPs, he said:

"This is a positive step forward in our campaign to have upfront and honest information about food. People want to know where their meat comes from and these new rules are great news for anyone who cares about the story behind their Sunday roast.

Mr Simpson is backing proposals to require almost all pre-packed meat sold in British shops to carry information about where the animal came from.

Currently only beef and fish are required to include country of origin labelling. Labour MEPs have been leading the fight to introduce the new legislation and have vowed to keep up the pressure for the rules to be extended to cover processed foods.

"Shoppers already have the right to know about the origins of their beef, fish, and fruit and veg. Now the vast majority of meat we buy will be covered too.

"Finally consumers will be able to see exactly where their meat began its journey to their fork.

The proposals will apply to cuts of meat from pigs, poultry, sheep and goats. The changes mean that almost all meat sold in British supermarkets will need to include country of origin information.

Brian Simpson has vowed to continue his campaign to extend the rules further to cover meat in processed foods, such as sausages and ready meals. After pressure from Labour MEPs, the EU has agreed to look at the possibility of introducing new laws to include more products in two years time.