Trade officials ‘taking a chainsaw’ to EU forest protection plans

Exclusive: leaked memo shows trade department raising concerns about environment colleagues' draft law

European trade officials have been accused of taking a chainsaw" to a draft EU law to protect the world's forests, as a leaked document revealed an attempt to water down the plans.

The European Commission is due to unveil a proposal on Wednesday to prevent EU sales of beef, soy, cocoa and other products linked to deforestation. A leaked memo seen by the Guardian reveals that commission trade officials have raised serious concerns" about the regulation drafted by their environment department colleagues.