EU's ban on inefficient toasters delayed to avoid pro-Brexit press attack

Measures to save 10m tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year have been delayed amid concerns highlighted by 'toastergate'

The EU has put plans to regulate inefficient kettles and toasters into cold storage amid fears in Brussels that they could galvanise support for the leave campaign in the UK's 23 June referendum.

Mobile phones, lifts, hair- and hand-dryers and vending machines are also on a shortlist of products for increased regulation in 2015-17. The measures had been expected to save the equivalent of 10m tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year by 2030, helping EU countries to meet efficiency goals and consumers to cut their energy bills.