THE French lorry drivers' blockade is hitting trade across the length and breadth of Europe.

They are blocking key roads and ports in an effort to get better wages and earlier retirement.

We have seen it all before.

The French are quick to take to the streets to further industrial claims.

Unfortunately, they drag the rest of Europe into their domestic disputes.

Already lorry drivers and transport companies from all over Europe, including East Lancashire, are facing hardship and possible ruin because of the French lorry drivers' hot-headed antics. What makes them think they have the right to use other countries to further their demands?

A fundamental part of the laws covering Europe is the freedom of movement of goods.

At the moment the French are clearly in contravention of that part of the law.

So why don't other European governments, including our own, take the French to the European Court?

The French lorry drivers are stopping trade within Europe and it is up to their government to ensure that, no matter how the dispute develops, the rest of Europe is allowed to do business.

If the shoe was on the other foot, the French would already be screaming at the courts for Euro justice.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.