Speaking from the European Parliament in Brussels, British MEP Sajjad Karim who is also chair of the European Parliament Friends of Pakistan Group stated: "Within the EU this has been a British lead initiative in Council, Commission and Parliament. We are delighted to have achieved this despite attempts by French socialists to scupper the deal.
The British Prime Minister David Cameron, Foreign Secretary William Hague and Europe Minister David Lidington lead in Council whilst EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and British Commissioner Baroness Ashton pursued matters in the Commission."
Karim said they will now work further to unlock the difficulties which are faced at WTO level.
He thanked many of his colleagues who helped see this process through the House and especially mentioned fellow MEPs Robert Sturdy and David Martin who both played their full part in delivering this proposal.
The Manchester-based MEP said the matter now rests with the WTO where challenges still remain.
He has now written to Baroness Ashton and is scheduled to meet British Prime Minister David Cameron and Minister for Europe David Liddington where he will raise the matter of WTO issues which need to be resolved.