Tory leadership contenders urged not to ditch vital regulations

Group of 40 organisations says deregulation risks irreparable damage to environment, people's health and workers' rights

Ditching the UK's green and social regulations in the bonfire of red tape that both Tory leadership candidates have promised would risk irreparable damage to the natural environment, to people's health and workers' rights, a group of 40 organisations has warned.

Health and safety in the workplace could also be threatened if current regulations are abandoned, according to the group. Both Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, one of whom will be the next prime minister after a poll of Conservative party members, have indicated they would lead a deregulation drive in government.