Cormorant perched along London skyline, (c) rspb-images.com
Today's Nature's Advocates blog is written by RSPB Campaigner, Dominic Quinn, on why the 2024 General Election matters for nature across every country in the UK.
The Members of Parliament (MPs) elected to Westminster will play a crucial role in shaping the future of wildlife conservation efforts across the UK. However, the process of creating and enforcing laws concerning nature differs between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This blog takes a look at what that means for wildlife, and the various ways that MPs will impact nature across the entirety of the UK.
What is devolution?
At the end of the 20th century, devolution started transferring decision-making powers in various areas, including environmental policies, from the UK Parliament to new legislatures in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland . This means that now, MPs elected to Westminster from all four nations primarily have a say on environmental matters in England, whilst representatives in the devolved parliaments and assemblies have the authority to develop and implement their own nature strategies tailored to the specific needs of their countries.
Nature in England
This election will have the most direct impact on nature in England, as the MPs elected will have direct jurisdiction over the laws and regulations governing England's environment and wildlife. They can vote on laws on England’s biodiversity, pollution, and land use, scrutinise the UK Government’s performance, advocate for environmental causes, represent constituents' environmental concerns, and influence funding that will have a direct impact on conservation efforts.
Nature in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Policies around nature are largely devolved in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, such as the management of national parks, wildlife conservation efforts, forestry practices, and environmental regulations specific to land use and agricultural practices. However, MPs elected to represent constituencies in those countries can still influence issues such as budgets and some environmental protection laws, which are crucial for aiding nature's recovery across all UK countries, for example.
Funding for Sustainable Agriculture
The funding allocated for agricultural subsidies, including direct payments to farmers and support for specific initiatives, is determined at the UK level as part of the overall agricultural budget. How this funding is used to encourage nature-friendly farming practices is up to individual countries. But with 70% of the UK’s land covered by farmland, it is crucial that the future UK Government plays a pivotal role in ensuring that each country across the UK has access to sustainable agricultural funding.
Field margin on arable farmland, (c) rspbimages.com
Renewable Energy
While energy policies are managed by devolved governments, the UK Government's subsidies, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure investments significantly shape renewable energy. All parts of the UK possess abundant renewable energy resources with huge potential, and the development of renewable energy projects is influenced by the Westminster Government. The UK Government’s decisions on green finance can drive sustainable practices and support large-scale environmental projects in all regions.
International Agreements
As the representative for the entire UK, the UK Government negotiates and implements international environmental agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and COP26. While all four UK countries’ perspectives are considered, final decisions are made at the international level by the UK Government, impacting environmental policies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Environmental Standards
The UK Government can set broad environmental legislation and standards, such as it did with the Environment Act 2021, which impacts devolved governments in various ways. This includes air quality, waste management, and chemical use, essential for protecting wildlife and natural habitats. While devolved governments have primary responsibility in these areas, the legislation provides a framework setting minimum standards.
Hedgehog at sunset, (c) rspbimages.com
Nature has no borders!
While devolution delineates boundaries between UK countries, nature disregards borders. Thriving natural habitats in all part of the UK benefit wildlife. The more politicians at every level of government understand that nature is a priority for their constituents and needs championing, the better our world will be.
No matter where you are in the UK, it’s vital that the MPs elected to the next UK Parliament understand the need for action. Whilst devolved governments are in charge of most areas of environmental policies, MPs from all four UK countries will play a vital role in securing a bright future for our wildlife.
Email your candidate now - using this link