MEPs vote to ban the use of palm oil in biofuels

MEPs say a ban, which needs approval from the European commission, is needed to avoid renewable targets contributing to deforestation

MEPs have voted overwhelmingly to ban biofuels made from vegetable oils including palm oil by 2020, to prevent the EU's renewable transport targets from inadvertently contributing to deforestation.

A new palm oil regulation, minimum sustainability criteria, customs duty reforms and anti-deforestation articles in future EU trade deals were also approved with a 640-18 majority.