SNP MEPs Ian Hudghton and Alyn Smith today voted against new European chemicals legislation which they oppose for not doing enough to outlaw dangerous substances.

Both also condemned a 'shoddy backroom deal' struck by the Conservative, Liberal and Labour groups which will allow companies to continue using toxic chemicals in their work, even when safer alternatives exist.

The European Parliament in Strasbourg voted in favour of the new chemicals law known as 'REACH', following the behind the scenes deal struck last week. There will be some restrictions on the use of dangerous chemicals, but the deal is seen as a sell-out by many environmental campaigners.

The SNP had supported a compromise which would have required manufacturers who use toxic chemicals to use safer alternatives wherever practical and affordable.

Commenting after the vote, Ian Hudghton MEP said:

"The environmental credentials of the Tories, Labour and Liberal members who backed this stitch up are in tatters. Together with other members we put forward a compromise that would have preserved the best bits of the old proposal whilst answering many of the concerns of business.