Crockery tax anger

An EU tax on crockery from China is "much more than a storm in a teacup", said local MEP Paul Nuttall today.

"This levy, which could add as much 20% on plates, cups and saucers, will hit the poorest in society the hardest," he said.

The tax, brought in with just 24 hours notice for importers, has been introduced despite objections from the majority of member states. It is estimated that importers will pass on the estimated £230million-a-year rise in costs.

"I am a great believer in free trade which is good for the consumer but the EU keeps imposing anti-dumping tariffs. Our Government has said it is disappointed that the European Commission overrode the objections to the levy but has admitted that countries are powerless to stop Brussels taking such action.

"That says it all in terms of what we need to do - leave the EU and make our own trade deals and our own rules," said Mr Nuttall, UKIP Deputy Leader.

"The introduction of this levy is to be reviewed over the next six months and member states need to make their views very clear and get this lifted.

"Meanwhile retailers will just source from other low cost Asian countries so the measure won't help European manufacturers as experts say they don't have the capacity to produce enough at low enough prices," he added.