Scottish MEP Threatens to Ban Justin Bieber From Europe in Irn Bru Row

Canadian pop stars like Justin Bieber and Celine Dion should be banned from Europe, according to a Scottish member of the European Parliament.

Alyn Smith of the Scottish National Party made the threat following reports that Canada had confiscated Irn Bru from shops in the province of Saskatchewan.

The reports were denied by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which claimed the shipment was sent back due to a clerical error.

However Smith refused to accept their explanation, and wrote to the agency and the EU trade commissioner to say: "Scotland and Canada have strong cultural and historical links, I'm sure many ex-pats across the pond will be worried about how to get their daily fix of the Bru if this supposed ban remains.

"I think if it does, we need to look into banning Justin Bieber and Celine Dion here in Europe - between them they've produced more sugary schmaltz than Irn Bru ever has."

The CFIA insisted: "Recently, a shipment containing a number of products imported from the UK was detained in the course of regular border activities because it contained meat products that were not accompanied by the required documentation.

"Appropriate certification of meat products is required to assure food safety and protect animal health in Canada. The CFIA determined that the rejected shipment also included other products, including Irn Bru and Marmite.

"Imported products, including Irn Bru and Marmite, that meet Canadian requirements under Canada's Food and Drug Regulations are and will continue to be available for sale in Canada."