Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Charles 'unconcerned' if Britain leaves EU

Paul Waugh,Deputy Political Editor
Thursday 02 May 2002 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Prince of Wales has suggested that he would not be concerned if Britain withdrew from the European Union.

The Prince revealed his views when he met Lord Haskins, a businessman admired by Tony Blair who is the Government's Rural Recovery Co-ordinator, to discuss the future of farming. When Lord Haskins argued that EU trade regulations meant that the logical conclusion of the Prince's pro-organic views would be the withdrawal of the Britain from the European Union, the Prince said: "So?"

Although the Prince's allies will claim that he was simply pointing up the importance of sustainability and the environment, the remark will be seized upon by Eurosceptics in all political parties.

The Prince has irked Labour ministers with his views on GM crops, but until now his stance on organic farming has not involved the EU membership debate.

The Prince attended a conference last month to promote niche markets in Britain and the EU for organic produce.

Lord Haskins believes that the foot-and-mouth crisis must lead to shake-out in the industry and last year when he launched an attack on the Prince's own views.

"A lot of agricultural reformers, like the Prince of Wales, want farmers to stand around being subsidised and making thatched roofs. Well, that's for the birds. Agriculture has got to strive to be more competitive and more productive," he said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in