BARROSO ATTACKS 'ABSURD' EU LAWS - LYNNE

6.10.31pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 14th Sep 2005

Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso has announced today that he wants to axe 60 of the Commission's draft laws, claiming that some legislation was "absurd" and brought Europe into disrepute.

His comments follow the campaign run by Liberal Democrat European Employment Spokesperson, Liz Lynne MEP to do away with parts of the recent optical radiation directive, designed to protect workers against sunlight. Upon learning of Mr Barroso's deregulation, Ms Lynne commented:

"I am so pleased that common sense appears to be prevailing in the European Commission at last. I have claimed for some time now that unnecessary regulation gives a bad name to the EU.

"It is important that the EU deals with major issues that will have impact across all of Europe, not matters that can be decided by national government. Mr Barroso's comments today prove that we have been absolutely right in arguing for common-sense legislation in the EU.

She added: "The absurd notion that builders would have to keep their shirts on while at work is a perfect example of the legislation that Mr Barroso is talking about. We were fortunate to win the vote and scrap that part of the optical radiation directive, and I hope it is a sign of things to come. I now hope that the Council of Ministers will see sense and accept our amendments."

ENDS.