Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has slammed the decision by Fine Gael MEPs to abstain on vital deforestation votes in the European Parliament.

The Dublin MEP said:

“It is utterly shameful for Fine Gael to abstain from this key vote, on the Deforestation legislation that was unfortunately passed by the smallest of margins.

“This law would have required sellers to show that there was no deforestation caused by the production of goods they sell into the EU.

“The EPP group, of which Fine Gael is a member, has now forced changes that put biodiverse forests at risk and creates ‘no risk zones’ which could be used to launder de-forested products through supposed ‘no-risk’ countries.

“This was done in a cynical attempt to aid the passing of the Mercosur trade deal.

“Some of these changes were passed by as little as three votes, meaning that Fine Gael’s 4 MEPs could have made the difference and blocked the gutting of this crucial law.

“Fine Gael cannot continue to talk out of both sides of their mouth when it comes to opposing the Mercosur trade deal, and protecting our environment.

“Sinn Féin is resolutely opposed to the Mercosur trade deal, and determined to keep fighting in support of laws that will protect and support our environment and agriculture.”