A PROPOSED European directive will threaten the survival of charity shops and car boot sales in the UK, an MEP has warned.

The General Directive on Product Safety would require retail outlets to provide full traceability on all products sold, and to help recall dangerous products.

Martin Callanan, Conservative MEP for the North-East, says that would be impossible for second-hand items donated to charity shops and products sold at car boot sales.

He is among a number of MEPs supporting amendments to the directive that would exempt charity shops, car boot sales and other second-hand outlets.

Mr Callanan said: "This directive would be a disaster for many charities, as well as for the thousands of customers who rely on them for good, cheap, second-hand items.

"The most extraordinary thing is that the European Commission appears simply to have no idea of the huge damage their proposals would cause to a popular and worthwhile activity of people here in the North-East.

"I am horrified at the way in which a favourite British pastime can be put under threat in this casual and cavalier way."