Call for “more integrated approach” on environment post-Brexit

Defra argues that many of its policies “either equal or go beyond EU targets”, citing new targets on fine particulate matter in the air, which go further than the EU

The Guardian newspaper has reported that environmental legislation in Britain is facing “death by a thousand cuts” in the aftermath of Brexit.

It stated recently that the UK not following EU changes, combined with planned divergences from EU law, will have negative impacts. Chiefly, these include the assertion that toxic chemicals banned in the EU will continue to be used in the UK, and that the UK will reduce greenhouse gas emissions more slowly, while its waters will be dirtier.

The newspaper’s key findings included the EU placing 26 substances on its list of ‘very high concern’ in the past three years, while the UK has added none. It has also failed to ban 36 harmful pesticides that have been outlawed by the EU.

The Guardian reported that UK ministers have proposed loosening air pollution regulations under the UK’s Retained EU Law Act, and want to remove the EU’s water framework directive from legally binding targets.

A Defra spokesperson refuted the claims and said: “It is inaccurate to say that the UK is falling behind the EU on environmental legislation, with many of our policies either equalling or going beyond EU targets. For example, we have strengthened work on air quality – with stretching new targets on fine particulate matter in the air, which go further than the EU."

The spokesperson added: “We have created an ambitious environmental programme – including new legally binding targets under the Environment Act and our Environmental Improvement Plan to protect our environment, clean up our air and rivers and halt the decline of nature by 2030.”

However, Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link said that “the cracks are beginning to show”.

He said: “In some areas, like chemicals regulation, planning protections and basic farming rules, the government isn’t just falling behind, it has proposed measures that would actively weaken environmental law and its enforcement.”

Louise Reddy, Policy Officer at Surfers Against Sewage said: “We're yet to see any vast improvements in what's mostly a graveyard of empty environmental promises.

“More comprehensive water-quality testing, better protection for popular bathing spots, and movements towards a circular economy are all possible, but the government needs to put people and the planet first."

“…it remains essential the UK remains as a world leader in setting regulatory standards.”

Louise Hosking, CIEH Executive Director of Environmental Health said, while she appreciated that the post-Brexit regulatory framework had given the UK freedoms, “it remains essential the UK remains as a world leader in setting regulatory standards.”

She added: “For us to tackle the very real threats from climate change, which are going to affect public health, we need a more integrated approach to decision-making across nature, people, society and finance.

“The work of our members is pre-emptive and saves the NHS billions each year. Rather than pursue a narrative that legislation hinders growth we need to look beyond a simplistic ‘health v wealth’ dichotomy.

“A healthy population is not only an ethical imperative but a cornerstone for a more sustainable approach within a thriving economy.”

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