Tories pledge to 'wage war' on red tape

Business groups have broadly welcomed the Conservatives' pledge to reduce the burden of red tape.

The party's eight-point plan focuses on achieving deregulation at EU level.

The proposals include the right to claim damages for losses suffered as a result of the so-called 'gold-plating' of EU regulations by Whitehall.

Any rules which were seen to be unnecessary by 50% or more of EU member states would also be declared void.

Opposition members warned that the plans would foster a culture of litigation.

However, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Confederation of British Industry welcomed the pledge to reduce the impact of EU laws on UK firms.

Neil Marrs of the Forum of Private Business said, 'FPB welcomes all promised action to fight against red tape in all its disruptive manifestations'.