NOW EU WANT TO BAN OUR KETTLES
Toasters and hairdryers also targets
BRUSSELS plans to ban British kettles, toasters and hairdryers after the European Union referendum, it emerged yesterday.
The EU has long wanted to replace our household appliances with low-energy versions to help meet green targets.
But it shelved the plan in February, fearing it might push tea-loving voters in
Britain towards Brexit, rather than risk waiting longer for a cuppa in their own homes.
The UK accounts for a third of all European kettle sales, with Britons drinking six times more tea per head than their continental cousins.
The ban might also include powerful hairdryers, mobile phones, patio jet washers and internet routers.
Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson said: “We shouldn’t have to put up with this nonsense about banning kettles and toasters.”
EU officials have been ordered to be vigilant for any plans that come across their desks which could give Leave campaigners ammunition in Britain’s referendum debate.
Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the Vote Leave campaign, said: “The EU now interferes with so many aspects of our lives, from our breakfast to our borders. If we vote remain we will be powerless to prevent an avalanche of EU regulation that Brussels is delaying until after the referendum.”
Around the turn of the century high-powered kettles which boil more quickly suddenly became available.
But Brussels still believes its new energy limits, now expected to be unveiled this autumn, could be popular if people see how much they will save on electricity bills. It claims the limits will save 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year by 2030, although some have said the claims are exaggerated.
Tory MEP David Campbell Bannerman, co-chairman of pro-Brexit group Conservatives for Britain, said: “This is a perfect example of the EU doing what the EU does best – interfering in our lives.
“Brussels postponed their plot to ban our kettles and toasters because they admit the plans are ridiculous.”
And Ukip MEP Steven Woolfe added: “If we vote to remain on June 23 we will have to accept that the EU will continue to interfere with so many aspects of our lives.”
It is not known when the proposed limits for new products would take effect, but legislation like this generally takes five to six years.