Parliament adopts chemicals legislation
Yorkshire and Humber MEP Richard Corbett has hailed the European Union's chemical Legislation, REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals), after it was overwhelmingly adopted in the European Parliament.
Richard, the Deputy Leader of the Labour MEPs said: “The REACH legislation is a real achievement and will have a positive affect on the health and lives of everyone in Europe.
“Currently we know very little about the thousands of chemicals used in everyday products, though they appear to be at least partly responsible for the rise in allergies, cancers, reproductive disorders and asthma. This new legislation will mean industry must either ensure that chemicals are used correctly or find a safe alternative. As a result we should never again see a tragedy like asbestos occurring in Europe.”
Richard added: “Some argue that it should have been better, and there is indeed a case to say that a compromise such as this is not perfect. However, a common set of rules on this important matter is better than a patchwork of perfect (but divergent) rules in some countries, half measures in others and no rules at all elsewhere - in what is supposed to be a common market with common rules. That would have given less protection at greater costs. This agreement also shows how useful the EU can be. All Member States will reap the benefits while sharing the burden of funding, testing and research. This is great news for everyone in Europe.”
- The REACH legislation was approved by the European Parliament with 529 MEPs voting in favour, 98 against and 24 abstentions.
- To learn more about REACH visit http://corbett.pir2.info/key_reach.htm or the Parliament's page at http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/064-1496-345-12-50-911-20061213IPR01493-11-12-2006-2006-true/default_en.htm#
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- phone 0113 245 8987
- e-mail luke@richardcorbett.org.uk
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