28 November 2006 - New rules which could have banned the use of the most toxic synthetic chemicals look set to be dramatically weakened – putting public health at continued risk - after negotiations on the final text broke down last night.

The UK and German governments are bowing to pressure from the powerful EU chemicals industry, which wants to continue producing thousands of deadly chemicals for use in everyday items such as cleaning products, carpets, computers – and even children’s toys.

Euro-MP Caroline Lucas, the Green/EFA group’s ‘shadow rapporteur’ on the so-called ‘REACH’ regulations (standing for Registration, Authorisation and Evaluation of Chemicals), said they were putting these interests above those of public health and environmental protection with serious consequences for the negotiations and probable outcome.

Dr Lucas said: “We Greens had pushed for robust set of rules that would have forced the producers of toxic synthetic chemicals to tell consumers what their likely effects would be – and that would have banned the use of the most dangerous substances wherever safer alternatives exist, as well as replacing the millions of additional animal tests the new rules would have required.

“Although we didn’t win the argument on all of these points during European Parliamentary debate, we entered into ‘fast-track’ negotiations with the Commission and EU environment ministers to try and get something on the statute books as soon as possible – every day the new rules are delayed means more cases of terminal cancers and other deadly chemical-related diseases and more pollution.

“But last night, in the face of sustained pressure from the UK and German representatives, these ‘trialogue’ talks were suspended – throwing the whole process into chaos. We Greens now believe the best chance of adopting a directive that sufficiently protects consumers and the environment lies in bringing the whole package back to the full European Parliament for a second reading – and we are pushing for exactly this.”

The UK ’s permanent representative to the EU said the compromise being discussed last night went “ too far for the UK ” and recommended weakening the rules on substituting dangerous chemical for safer alternatives – contrary to the clearly stated wishes of MEPs.

Dr Lucas added: “The whole process has effectively been hijacked by the powerful chemicals industry – with the support of the UK Government – and it is consumers who will pay the ultimate price.”

ENDS