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Brexit white paper – Friends of the Earth reaction

news release

The government’s Brexit white paper commitment to bring current EU environmental protections into UK law is welcomed by Friends of the Earth but, as the charity points out, the devil will be in the detail.

Samuel Lowe, Friends of the Earth campaigner, said:

“The commitment to bring current environmental regulation into UK and devolved law is welcome but, as always, the devil will be in the detail.

“We need more information regarding how this will work in practice, and additional measures and institutions will be needed to ensure it continues to be properly upheld and enforced. The Great Repeal Bill must ensure that any future changes are made by parliament, and not on the whim of ministers.

“The fact the government has chosen not to throw the baby out with the bath water and leave open the possibility of remaining part of certain EU regulatory bodies is sensible. Continuing to maintain a level regulatory playing field on issues such as chemical safety with our European neighbours is not only good for people and the environment, it makes sense for business too.”

Editor’s notes:

  1. Section 8.41 of the Brexit white paper states that “we will use the Great Repeal Bill to bring the current framework of environmental regulations into UK and devolved law.”
  2. Section 8.42 of the Brexit white paper states that “as part of exit negotiations the Government will discuss with EU and member states our future status and arrangements with regard to these agencies.”

For press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust

 

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