London, Jan 21 (IANS/RAY): British Prime Minister David Cameron Tuesday welcomed the decision of the European Union to lift its ban on importing Indian mangoes.

"I welcome today's announcement by the European Union to lift their import ban of mangoes from India," Cameron said.

"Not only is this good news for trade between the UK and India, it's also good news for the many consumers and hard-working small businesses in the UK who were affected.

"I am delighted the British government was able to play its part in helping to get the ban lifted," said Cameron, who is a self-confessed lover of mangoes.

Cameron's office said Britain "worked closely with India and the European Commission to bring the ban to an end".

India's High Commissioner to Britain Ranjan Mathai and his mission put in strenuous efforts behind the scenes to resolve the issue.

Britain's Indian origin as well as indigenous population were displeased by the ban. Alphonso mangoes are particularly popular in the country.

British MP of Indian descent Keith Vaz, who represents a Gujarati-dominated constituency, vigorously took up the matter with the British authorities.

The ban was lifted after improvements were made in plant health controls in India. The suspension of imports of Indian mangoes across the EU was taken in response to persistent interceptions of harmful plant pests.