NEW EU laws that make businesses financially liable for any environmental damage that they cause have been warmly welcomed by North West Euro MP Chris Davies.

He said he hoped the new law would force businesses of all sizes to take more steps to curb the risk of causing damage, as well as meeting the costs of restoring the environment.

"Currently local authorities have to foot the bill for the clean-up of many pollution incidents. It is grossly unfair that taxpayers have to pay to clean up the mess of private business," he said.

May 22, 2003 13:00