15.10.13
Cameron pledges to cut EU red tape
A business taskforce commissioned by the Prime Minister has identified “burdensome” rules on the UK which could be costing the country millions of pounds.
Cameron called on the European Commission to cut red tape and stop holding back competitiveness.
The taskforce recommended relaxing rules on health and safety compliance, simplifying waste collection and chemical regulations, and capping fees on digital transactions. They produced 30 major recommendations, including a call to adopt a system where no new regulations are introduced unless an equivalent reduction is made elsewhere.
Cameron said: “This report makes clear that there are lots of simple and practical ways to cut EU red tape and save businesses across Europe tens of billions of euros.
“We must now persuade our European partners and the European Commission to listen to business and to move faster to reform the way Europe regulates. I will be calling for a clear commitment to sweep away unnecessary burdens and to unleash private sector growth.”
Katja Hall, chief policy director of the CBI, said: “We don't want a situation where smaller firms are saddled with poorly thought-out EU regulations which impede their ability to grow.”
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said: “Common rules are essential to make the single market work properly but I also want to make sure the EU does not meddle where it should not and member states do not add additional burdens.
“If companies have further problems with individual pieces of legislation, the commission will look to resolve them.”
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Image c. European Parliament