TRADERS across East Lancashire have voiced their anger after a new European directive said all shops must now stock left-handed products.

Officials from the Interference Committee, which meets in Lille, voted to write the Digit-all Equality Act into EU law during an early morning meeting.

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The legislation, which will come into force from 11.59am today, means firms will be forced to stock left-handed hammers, toothbrushes, pens, and even keyboards or face harsh financial penalties.

Businesswoman Nat Reilly, from High Street, Blackburn, said: “This is political correctness gone mad.

“I’ve even heard cigarettes will have to be made specifically for lefties now too, but they’re also introducing plain packaging so I’m not sure how we’ll be able to tell without opening every single packet.”

But left-handed Hugh Jhas, 41, said: “Finally I’ll be able to write on left-handed paper without ink smudging everywhere.

“I’m proud to be part of the generation that continues to break down social taboos."

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Edit: Happy April Fool's Day, everybody!