LONDON - The Labour Party is expecting to lose tonight's Commons vote on Mr John Major's handling of the BSE crisis. Senior party whips say they expect the nine Ulster Unionist MPs, at best, to abstain - so ensuring a government victory, Frank Millar reports.
The Labour assessment has caused some surprise, following earlier indications that the UUP would support the Opposition in the absence of a deal freeing Northern Ireland farmers from the EU beef ban. Government sources say Mr Major is continuing to insist on a "UK wide" plan for the removal of the ban. The Scottish Secretary, Mr Michael Forsyth, is thought to oppose a scheme which would see the proposed cull start in Northern Ireland.
