Heat sensitive imaging element and a method for producing lithographic plates therewith

A heat sensitive imaging element comprising a lithographic base with a hydrophilic surface, an image forming layer including a hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer latex and a compound capable of converting light into heat being present in said image forming layer or a layer adjacent thereto, wherein the heat-sensitive imaging element comprises a barrier layer between the lithographic base having a hydrophilic surface and the image forming layer, said barrier layer comprising a (co)polymer containing hydroxy groups which have at least partially reacted with a compound having at least two carboxyl groups, said barrier layer and said image forming layer being removable in an aqueous solution with a pH of at least 5.