European Commission proposals to combat the trade in illegal logging and tackle deforestation have won a cautious welcome from Plaid MEP Jill Evans.

But the MEP warned that the Commission's recently published plan does not go far enough and called for stricter enforcement.

It is estimated that around a fifth of timber imports to the EU potentially come from illegal sources. Ms Evans has been contacted this week by many constituents from across Wales asking her to support and help strengthen the plans.

The Plaid MEP said:

"Around twenty per cent of imported timber is estimated to come from illegal sources. We know that combating the illegal logging trade is vital in the campaign against climate change and I welcome these proposals from the European Commission.

"But they are nowhere near bold enough and I will be fighting for them to be strengthened. Rather than setting clear rules about what's legal and what's not, it seems the Commission is happy to take the word of the importers and exporters.

"If we are to make real progress in combating illegal logging and deforestation we need much tougher action.

"I have been contacted by a large number of constituents who are deeply concerned about this issue. I can assure them that I will push for stronger action, in particular clearly defined and policed rules that will ensure only timber from sustainable sources is imported to Europe in future."

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