Have your say on our Nature Laws post Brexit

Environmental principles and governance consultation

Friends of the Earth are asking local groups and individuals to respond to the Government’s consultation on Environmental Principles and Governance. Responses must be in by the 2nd August. 

The Environmental Principles and Governance document sets out the government’s plans for the Principles and Governance Bill which will move EU environmental principles into UK law, resulting in an environmental watchdog to enforce environmental laws after we leave the EU and loss of access to European enforcement mechanisms. This consultation is a chance for the public to learn about and input into the government’s current plans.

Without a strong, independent watchdog, underpinned by robust environmental principles, to replace EU procedures we could be left with weaker environmental laws and a limited ability to hold those responsible for environmental damage to account.

Friends of the Earth have been campaigning throughout the Withdrawal Bill process for such a watchdog, and for the transfer of all EU environmental principles, to replace EU procedures. Unfortunately the watchdog promised in the Withdrawal Bill isn’t strong enough and public authorities won’t be bound to act in accordance with EU environmental principles.

The consultation document also omits important environmental principles that should be included in the Principles and Governance Bill. It’s vital we take this opportunity to make sure we have a strong, independent watchdog to ensure our environmental laws are effectively enforced.

Manchester Friends of the Earth will be sending in a response and we urge as many people as possible to send in their own to ensure that the Government hears loud and clear that we demand Nature is protected and nurtured once we leave the EU.

Please see here for details of Friends of the Earth’s guidance on how to respond to the consultation.

The Government’s portal to respond can be found here.