Green politicians have welcomed a decision to turn away a fleet of contaminated ex-US Navy ships en route to Britain for disposal.
The Environment Agency has confirmed there is nowhere to handle them in the UK.
South-East Green MEP Caroline Lucas claimed the clean-up would have breached EU law.
Dr Lucas said: "My complaint to the European Commission alleged wrongdoing by the UK Government in granting permission for this dangerous work before European requirements on environmental safety had been met.
"Clearly the Government is now backtracking in anticipation of the investigation announced by the commission this week."
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