I'm always willing to blame the EU for their many ridiculous directives (as regulars will know [Linked Image]), but this is one case where they weren't responsible. The U.K. 110V power tool system was in use well before Britain even joined what was then called the EEC.

Here's an excerpt from the 1966 IEE Wiring Regulations, section H (Temporary installations & installations on construction sites):
Quote

Attention is drawn to the added safety afforded to installations on construction sites by the use of the following methods:

(i) Supplies obtained from double-wound transformers having a secondary voltage not exceeding 110 volts r.m.s. single-phase, the secondary winding having a centre-tap which is earthed, or a secondary voltage not exceeding 110 volts r.m.s. three-phase, the neutral point of the secondary being earthed. In supplies obtained by these methods the maximum voltage to earth does not exceed 55 volts and 64 volts r.m.s. respectively. {...}

(ii) Where the use of reduced voltage supplies is impracticable, the adoption of monitored earthing circuits or other devices (e.g. current-balance earth-leakage circuit-breakers) giving comparable protection. {...}

So 110V UK building-site tools have been around for at least the best part of 40 years!