17 September 2008 - Green Euro-MP Caroline Lucas has commented on today’s decision by the European Commission to further delay any legislative proposal to combat the illegal timber trade.

Dr Lucas, rapporteur on the 2006 International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA), to be discussed in the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee next Tuesday, said:

"I am deeply disappointed that today the European Commission has yet again postponed any proposal for legislation to combat the trade of illegal timber. This represents another victory for industry lobbyists and great news for those who profit from illegal deforestation across the world.

“Tropical forests in particular are critical to both the local and global environment. While the flow of illegally sourced timber to the EU goes unchecked, Commission President Barroso cannot credibly claim to champion the cause of climate change."

ENDS