6th September 2006

Greens join European email campaign

Europe's governments and the European Parliament are about to finalise their negotiations on new laws concerning the use of chemical substances in everyday products sold in Gloucestershire (i). The proposed laws are aimed at protecting our health and the environment from the impact of harmful chemicals, but European governments have so far rejected our "Right to Know" about these chemicals present in everyday products.

Cllr Philip Booth, a Stroud District councillor and Green party spokesperson said: "Children's toys, cosmetics, clothing even TV set and frying pans can all contain hazardous chemicals which contaminate our bodies and the environment. We believe we should have a "Right to Know" about dangerous chemicals in products - but it seems our Government does not agree and seems more intent on protecting the interests of the industry rather than those of the citizens they should represent."

Philip Booth said: "Friends of the Earth in Europe have launched a EU wide campaign urging people to email their  Governments demanding their "Right to Know" about chemicals in products. People can email Alistair Darling from: <http://www.foeeurope.org/my_right_to_a_toxics_free_future>."

Philip Booth added: "The Gloucestershire Green party have raised this issue about the "Right to Know" many times over the last few years in the local press (ii). We welcomed news in November 2005, that 344 Members of the European Parliament voted for granting the public this provision and passed many other amendments put forward by Caroline Lucas Green MEP to improve the legislation. Unfortunately this decision was largely ignored by EU governments during their vote in December 2005 and it is still not certain whether this will become law. The Bill is due to have a second reading of the draft legislation later this year, which is why we now need to persuade Alistair Darling. I would urge all to email or write to him (iii). It is crazy companies are allowed to use dangerous chemicals when safer alternatives exist."


Notes:

(i) Called "REACH" for "Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals"
(ii) See:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=770&Itemid=2
(iii) FoE our latest publication at:
http://www.foeeurope.org/publications/2006/right_to_know.pdf