LAST week the European Parliament gave its support to two agreements to ensure that the trade in timber from two of the key countries in tropical Africa (Cameroon and Congo) only concerns timber that is sustainably produced. The agreements are the first of their kind and safeguard the role of the indigenous forest people and local organisations supporting them, to blow the whistle if they feel that their forests are being removed at a rate that is unsustainable.

Our tropical rain forests are home to a myriad of animal and plant species, many not yet described by science.

They are also the planet’s lungs and if illegal logging isn’t stopped the planet won’t be able to defend itself again rising carbon emissions.

The fact that these agreements are voluntary (countries aren’t forced to sign them in order to trade with us) shows the welcomed desire that exists across the world to protect our forests.

I have worked with other MEPs to ensure this agreement was accepted, and it is a great example of the work that I and my Liberal colleagues are doing through the EU to protect the environment and to regulate trade when it threatens it.

Catherine Bearder, Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament for South East, England, Park End Street, Oxford