Those responsible for the adulteration of beef products with horsemeat must be put before the courts, Keighley MP Kris Hopkins told the House of Commons.

Speaking in response to an urgent question on the continuing horsemeat scandal, Mr Hopkins asked Food Minister David Heath: “Can you reassure consumers that individuals carrying out this criminal activity will be prosecuted?” Mr Heath said ministers were unable to offer assurances on what the police and other investigating authorities would do.

But he added: “It is certainly my wish that wherever there is evidence of criminal activity, that it will be prosecuted, that the evidence will be put before the courts and that those involved will face the full force of the law.”