CAMPAIGNERS against world poverty have lobbied David Curry, MP for Skipton and Ripon, in Ripon last week.

The protestors from Oxfam and CAFOD want an urgent reform of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy.

They claim the average cow in Europe receives more in subsidies than half the world's population has to live on.

The group, some dressed as cows, lobbied Mr Curry in Ripon market square. He was targeted as chairman of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee which advises the government on the CAP.

They hoped he would pass on their views to Prime Minister Tony Blair who is meeting other EU heads of state in Copenhagen today and tomorrow.

Janet Waggott, CAFOD campaigner, said the EU's support for dairy farmers amounted to about £11bn a year - the equivalent of £1. 40 per day for each cow.

"Put another way, the average EU cow now receives more than the income of half the world's population," she said