TOBACCO workers fighting European legislation, which they say threatens their livelihoods, took their battle to the doorstep of the Health Secretary yesterday.

The Rothmans staff say the EU law, which will outlaw the production and export of high tar cigarettes, could threaten up to 80 per cent of production at the Darlington factory.

With the EU expected to vote next week, workers marched on the office of their local MP, Health Secretary Alan Milburn, to highlight their case.

John Bibby, of the AEEU union, said: "We felt we needed to pass on a letter of protest to our MP, Alan Milburn, to make it clear to him what this legislation means to the Rothmans workers.

"If the EU pass this legislation in its present form next week in Strasbourg, there could be major repercussions.

"Within a matter of weeks, Rothmans may have to reassess its current production at Darlington."

The workers delivered a letter to Mr Milburn outlining what they see as the threat of the legislation to the 540 jobs on site, plus thousands more in the local supply industry.

Mr Milburn, who was at the House of Commons at the time, told The Northern Echo: "I understand from my meetings and discussions with Rothmans workers, their very real concerns and I am working to find a solution."