In recent weeks, I have received hundreds of emails from concerned constituents regarding the European Union's proposals to update the 20-year- old policy on chemicals, known more commonly as the REACH directive (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals).
The safe use of chemicals is an important part of our daily lives and I have been working with colleagues to ensure the proposals strike the right balance between safeguarding public health and the environment while ensuring the European chemicals industry remains competitive in the global market.
Like most constituents who contact me, I am extremely concerned that thousands of animals could suffer as a requirement to test and retest tens of thousands of chemical substances which pre-date existing laws relating to chemical testing.
When the proposals came before the European Parliament for a "first reading" last November, we made the proposal more workable, particularly by prioritising the chemicals of highest concern first and reducing the need for animal testing.
The issue is not currently with the European Parliament.
We are now waiting for national governments to come back with their position.
Given the high level of concern among local residents, I will seek to provide updates when there are any further developments.
-Richard Ashworth MEP, Conservative MEP for South East England European Parliament Rue Wiertz, Brussels 1047
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