WWF queries Tory green commitment

The WWF has questioned the Tory stance on green issues

A leading wildlife charity has questioned the Conservative Party's commitment to environmental issues.

Campaigners for WWF say Tory MEPs are trying to water down European legislation that would restrict which chemicals can be used in industry.

They say party leader David Cameron is failing to stop this, despite efforts to raise the party's green credentials.

The proposed set of laws are known as the Registration, Evaluation, and Authorisation of Chemicals (Reach).

Campaigners at the WWF have been pressing for their introduction for several years.

Since 1981, new chemicals used within the EU have been tested for their safety, but 90% of the substances used in everything from hand creams to babies' bottles were developed before that date.

Although British firms say they broadly support the aims of the legislation, WWF is accusing Tory MEPs of trying to dilute the main thrust of the law.

BBC environment correspondent Sarah Mukherjee says that, privately, activists have said they are "deeply disappointed" with the Tory stance on the issue.