'It's not just a question of a lorry full of onions'
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he fight between French and • British hauliers is being settled, and it looks like we have won. It's not just a question of a lorry full of onions; it is a question of justice being done. I have now had confirmation from the French government that when I require it my trucks will be provided with the protection of an armed guard.
I demand the right to carry my toads anywhere in Europe without fear of attack or intimidation. Up until now this has not happened: my vehicles and their cargoes have been destroyed and my staff intimidated. My French sales manager has had to resign and flee to England.
And all because French farmers are angry about cheap imports — can you imagine the uproar if UK farmers destroyed French Golden Delicious apples to safeguard prices in the UK? It just wouldn't happen, and it's preposterous that it should happen in France in 1992.
It makes a mockery of French justice and also the common market and our efforts to form a federal union. I don't mind taking a stand on behalf of other UK hauliers — it's about time that somebody did. For far too long the French farmers, whether it is over onions or sheep, have been able to get away with attacks and then walk away freely.
I am sick and tired of it and my actions will definitely help other hauliers who are out to take our share of the market by efficient professional and ecOnomic methods.
The acid test is yet to come. I want .M43,000 in compensation from the Strasbourg court even though I am informed that it may be eight months before my case comes to court.
This money would compensate me for goods that were lost because they could not move from Turkey to France, and for the lorry and goods burnt in an attack. I will also claim for any other costs I incur from now on when attempting to get my
goods safely to their destinations.
I have already had an empty decoy truck leave Brest with specially hired security guards around it, while an unmarked truck full of onions delivered the goods safely. This cost me £3,000, and if the French aren't as good as their word and fail to give me adequate protection I will charge them every single penny if I have to use similar methods again.
About 50 British hauliers in Spain and Italy have given me support and say they would join me in actions against the French if they go back on their word and do not give me adequate protection, or if I do not get my compensation. This action could include blockading ferry ramps in France with trucks.
I would never consider attacking French hauliers in the UK — I would not dream of stooping to their levels. But Europe beware: we too are Europeans and I am not going to allow the British to carry on being treated as the lame duck of Europe.,