The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill is currently in what’s known as “Committee stage” in the House of Commons. This is when MPs get to examine and debate the detail of the Bill.
Yesterday, attention turned to the environment and there was an impressive exploration of the issues about which we have concerns (for example, see here) including:
It was particularly encouraging that Environment Secretary Michael Gove indicated support for a new Environment Act for England. This is hugely significant as it would help provide much needed direction and certainty as to how we restore nature in a generation. The Withdrawal Bill will hopefully bank the majority of EU environmental laws, while a new Environment Act can help build a stronger legal framework.
Whilst commitment to give serious thought to new environmental legislation is welcome, it is vital that the UK Government takes forward such a commitment in this Parliamentary term to ensure that the issues are addressed before we leave the European Union. We don't want a gap in either our environmental governance or our environmental standards and protections.
This is why we will continue to work with politicians from across the political spectrum to propose amendments to the bill as it continues to progress through parliament.
There is clearly a huge amount of work to do, but it was great last night to see the environment featuring so highly in the debate and to hear agreement from all parts of the House on the importance of environmental protections (including guiding principles and the need for robust environmental governance). I would like to particularly thank those MPs that used their voices for nature during the debate (which can be read here).
There is still a long way to go before the Withdrawal Bill becomes an act. The next big moment will be the debate on governance which is expected on day 6 of Committee stage sometime in December.
Watch this space.
This is encouraging and Mr Gove seems to have his heart in the right place as far as the environment and wildlife is concerned, but we must keep our fingers crossed at this stage as this Government is very fragile and a cabinet reshuffle with Mr Gove moved out of DEFRA might present a different situation. However so far so good. Well done RSPB for keeping the eye on the wildlife and environmental ball. This is so important, as without this pressure on the Government and MPs who knows what might happen.