Vince Cable

Vincent Cable, MP for Twickenham joined Friends of the Earth mascot Toxic Ted outside the Houses of Parliament to show his support for new safer chemicals laws, currently being overhauled in Europe.

The cuddly 7ft teddy bear took a break from his national Safer Chemicals Campaign tour to thank MPs for their support as the Government prepared to publish the UK position on new EU chemicals legislation.

Dr Cable joined over 300 MPs declaring official support for new EU laws based on the Copenhagen Charter.

The Charter sets out principles for tough controls on chemicals in everyday products, including a phase-out of chemicals that build up in our bodies or in the environment [2].

Major high street retailers have also signed up to take action on risky chemicals following calls from concerned parents and consumers across the country as part of the Toxic Ted tour [3].

Most chemicals found in everyday products, from cosmetics to toys, have not been tested for safety.

Some chemicals are known to build up in our bodies or disrupt the hormone system and have been linked to health threats including increases in testicular cancer rates and the apparent earlier onset of puberty in girls [4].

Unborn babies, babies and toddlers are most vulnerable as their bodies are still developing.

The laws controlling the chemicals allowed in everyday products in the UK are now being reviewed in Europe [5], and the UK Government is currently preparing its official position, expected by the end of the year.

Vincent Cable has joined Friends of the Earth and other national organisations [6]in calling for the Government to stand up for tough new laws that protect both the health of our children and the environment.

Vincent Cable, MP for Twickenham said: "I am happy to support the campaign for safer chemicals laws because both humans and wild animals are exposed to hundreds of man-made chemicals that build up in their bodies; new EU laws based on the Copenhagen Charter would dramatically reduce this contamination"

Clare Oxborrow, Safer Chemicals Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said: "We are delighted that Vincent Cable has added his voice to the campaign calling for safer chemicals laws."

"We urgently need new laws that protect people and the environment from risky chemicals, and we hope that the Government recognizes this when it publishes its official position."

"It must make a commitment to support the phase-out of health-threatening chemicals that build up in people's bodies".

Notes: 1. Print quality copies (4 megapixel) of the photograph are available to download from Friends of the earth's website at www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/safer_chemicals/resource/images.html 2. The Copenhagen Charter (supported by over 80 Environment and Consumer groups in Europe):

1) A full right to know, including what chemicals are present in products.

2) A deadline by which all chemicals on the market must have had their safety independently assessed. All uses of a chemical should be approved and should be demonstrated to be safe beyond reasonable doubt.

3) A phase out of persistent or bioaccumulative chemicals.

4) A requirement to substitute less safe chemicals with safer alternatives.

5) A commitment to stop all releases to the environment of hazardous substances by 2020.

3. To date, Boots, Marks & Spencer, The Co-op, B&Q, Homebase, the Body Shop, Ikea, the Early Learning Centre, Debenhams and Argos have signed Friends of the Earth's risky chemicals pledge. For the text click here.

4. For the Chemicals and Health press briefing click here.

5. For the Political Battles press briefing click here.

6. UK organisations supporting the campaign include: Wildlife and Countryside link, Marine Conservation society, Greenpeace, Unicef, Maternity Alliance, the Informed Parent, Baby Milk Action, National Junior Angling Association, Hyperactive children's support group, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

Contact: Press office - 020 7566 1649 Clare Oxborrow - 020 7566 1685 / 07949 119593