Guest blog: Christopher McAteer, RSPB NI Campaigning Communications Officer – Nature Protection for Nature Matters NI.
Nature Matters NI, a new campaign from a coalition of environmental groups in Northern Ireland, was created earlier this year to assess and respond to the impact that Brexit will have on the environment. In this guest blog, RSPB campaigner and Nature Matters NI member Christopher McAteer considers some of the challenges and opportunities that Brexit poses for Northern Ireland.
The laws that protect nature in Northern Ireland are under grave threat. As the Westminster Government prepares to leave the EU, the key principles underpinning environmental protection have been quietly left out of an important new Bill, leaving the environment vulnerable to future threats.
The UK’s exit from the EU offers both exciting opportunities and frightening challenges for the environment in Northern Ireland. The laws that protect nature and uphold environmental standards are beginning a journey from EU to UK legislation, a process that will redefine our relationship with the environment.
The initial signals from the UK Government have been positive, with a clear-cut commitment to leave the environment in a better state than they inherited it. More recent comments from Environment Secretary Michael Gove MP have also been encouraging, promising a ‘Green Brexit’ and enhanced environmental protection.
But talk is one thing and action another. The actual proposals that have been drawn up in the EU Withdrawal Bill paint a much less encouraging picture.
Around 80% of our existing environmental laws derive from the EU. While the UK Government has promised to keep the majority of these, it has specifically ruled out the key environmental principles that underpin these laws. Currently, these principles, such as Precautionary Principle, Preventative Action and Polluter Pays, must be taken into account when drafting and implementing any legislation.
Let’s consider a concrete example.
The Precautionary Principle requires action to be taken where there are reasonable grounds to believe something could cause harm to the environment, even if it isn’t yet proven. One example would be the current restrictions on neonicotinoid pesticides, which are believed to harm bees. Although the evidence is not yet conclusive, the risk is considered great enough that precautionary measures should be introduced.
This example shows how important the environmental principles within EU legislation are. They are neither obscure legal instruments nor unnecessary red tape, but an essential component of protecting nature.
As MPs consider proposed amendments on the Withdrawal Bill, they should demand that the environmental principles are converted into UK law. This will maintain the legal standards that our environment deserves and ensure nature is healthier and more sustainable for future generations.
With the political will and a groundswell of public support, a ‘Green Brexit’ can indeed be achieved. Leaving the EU does not mean that the UK must lower environmental standards or put our already embattled environment at even greater risk.
But without the clear environmental principles enshrined in the EU treaties, the prospects for nature in Northern Ireland could only worsen after Brexit.
In order to have clean rivers and loughs, healthy peat bogs, and flourishing wildlife to sustain our unique natural environment, we must have strong laws and enforcement that protect nature.
The public wants this too. A recent YouGov poll found that 83% of us believe in maintaining or enhancing environmental standards in the UK and over 50,000 people have already asked their MP to make sure our nature laws are protected. The Government must respond to this call to protect nature and turn their words about a ‘Green Brexit’ into clear actions.