It was great to see that China had lifted its long-standing ban on beef exports from the UK.

This will open up a whole host of exporting opportunities for farmers in Devon, who produce some of the best beef in the country.

It is said that British producers could benefit to the tune of £250m in the first five years alone.

China is one of the UK’s biggest export markets for agri-food, with over £560m worth of food and drink bought by Chinese consumers last year.

UK officials deserve credit for their perseverance in overturning the ban on beef exports, which was imposed by the Chinese government more than 20 years ago following the BSE outbreak.

The Prime Minister agreed new measures to improve market access to China during her visit to the Far East earlier this year and this latest development is another major boost as we forge new trading relationships around the globe as we leave the EU.

Chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee