(date)
Dear (name) MP,
As your constituent, I am writing to you to express my serious concerns about the potential negative impacts of Brexit on protection of people and the environment from hazardous chemicals in the UK. I am particularly concerned about the possibility of leaving the EU’s chemical regulation, REACH, which, although it’s not perfect, is considered the most comprehensive chemical regulation in the world.
REACH has made more progress on problematic chemicals than any other regulatory system. For example, the EU is the first region in the world that has agreed to ban the use of the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) in thermal paper till receipts, due to evidence that it could impact the developing foetuses of pregnant shop workers. REACH has also played a leading role in protecting ecosystems and wildlife from many problematic chemicals.
If the UK leaves REACH, it is likely to have a weaker regulatory system, with less safety data and slower action with regard to problematic chemicals. I am very concerned that people and the environment in the UK would end up being less protected than in the EU.
A recent survey shows that nearly two-thirds (63%) of British residents – including 62% of Leave voters – believe that there should be no reduction in regulatory standards that protect people and the environment from potentially harmful chemicals when the UK leaves the EU. The results of this survey show that although the majority of British people voted to leave the EU, they did not vote to end up less protected from harmful chemicals after Brexit.
I urge you to raise this important matter with the relevant ministers and I would be grateful to have your views on this issue.
Thank you in anticipation of your help.
Yours sincerely,
(Your name)
(Your address)
