UK opposition to farming emissions cuts 'could cost thousands of lives'

Campaigners condemn UK moves to vote down legally binding EU curbs on agricultural emissions, warning they could cause 3,000 more deaths a year

The UK government's opposition to binding cuts in pollution from farms could lead to 3,000 more deaths in the UK, according to research cited by the environmental NGO ClientEarth.

An advisory paper sent to MEPs by the UK's environment department and seen by the Guardian, recommends voting down proposals in Strasbourg today for legally binding curbs on emissions of ammonia, methane and particulates from the agricultural sector. Cumulatively, they are thought to be responsible for an annual 400,000 deaths in Europe.