PROPOSED changes to UK health and safety law should be reviewed in the wake of the death of four workers in an industrial accident, an MEP has said.

East of England MEP Richard Howitt, who serves on the EU committee responsible for health and safety, has tabled an urgent parliamentary question asking the European Commission whether British plans to lift workplace restrictions meets minimum EU requirements.

He also calls for publication of discussions between the Government and the European Commission on the proposals, specifically in light of last week’s accident in which four men from the Bury St Edmunds area died.

Brothers Thomas, 26, and Daniel Hazelton, 30, Peter Johnson, 42, and Adam Taylor, 28, were killed on Friday while working at Claxton Engineering Services Limited in Great Yarmouth.

Mr Howitt said: “The horrific tragedy in Yarmouth highlights the real dangers in work today and the absolute necessity to maintain and observe rigorous health and safety standards.

“My first thoughts are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives.

“But in their memory it is right that not only are the causes of the accident fully understood, but that the lessons fully learnt.”