EU lets car manufacturers off the hook

Car manufacturers have been told that they will not be prosecuted for failing to comply with an EU law requiring them to reduce the global warming effects of air conditioning systems.

Enterprise and Industry Commissioner, Antonio Tajani, has announced that they will be given an extra two years to comply.

But his decision has prompted a furious response from an MEP involved in making the legislation.

Chris Davies, the Liberal Democrat environment spokesman, claims that the Commissioner has backtracked on declarations it has made repeatedly to the European Parliament.

Davies has now demanded that Tajani explains himself in person to MEPs on the European Parliament’s Environment committee.

He said: "Car manufacturers are being allowed to put two fingers up to the legislative process. This will send a signal that industry can ignore rules intended to protect the environment."