Lynne urges MEPs to save bare-chested builders from the 'tan ban'

12.00.00am GMT Tue 7th Feb 2006

Liz Lynne, West Midlands Liberal Democrat MEP and Shadow Rapporteur for the Optical Radiation Directive, today urged Euro MPs to vote next week to save bare-chested builders from the so-called 'tan ban'.

Liz Lynne fought for months to ensure sunlight was taken out of an otherwise-sensible directive protecting workers from artificial optical radiation, and in November, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers agreed to remove all reference to natural radiation. Now it is up to MEPs to vote to adopt the final text.

Speaking in Brussels, Liz Lynne said "We're on the brink of a victory for common sense. This is the final hurdle. A sensible directive to protect workers from artificial radiation would have been ruined by the ludicrous proposal to legislate on the sun."

"This is a good example of where the European Parliament has had a major impact on the final outcome of European legislation. All people should be made aware of the dangers of the sun. But making employers responsible is unnecessary and unenforceable."

"I was delighted the Council and the Commission saw sense in November. Now MEPs must follow suit."

ENDS

Notes to editors

MEPs will debate the Optical Radiation Directive agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers on Monday 13th February. They are likely to vote on Tuesday 14th February.

For further information, comment or to book an interview, please telephone Liz Lynne on 003222845521 (Brussels) or 077644 52725 (mobile) or Press Officer Steve Nowottny in Stratford-Upon-Avon on 01789 262785.