‘Cocktail of risks’ facing environment post-Brexit

A new report, published by co-leader of the Green Party Caroline Lucas, has highlighted a period of ‘profound uncertainty’ for the UK environment as the UK leaves the EU.

Exiting the EU, not the environment calls for a ‘Green Guarantee’ to ensure that current levels of environmental protection and funding are maintained and strengthened.

With the House of Commons having recently voted to trigger Article 50, Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, says that the EU has been an effective driver of environmental action, and Article 50 could lead to the potential downgrading of many key environmental protections.

Ahead of Britain’s exit from the EU, the report argues that a new ‘Environment Act' should be put in place ahead, which the Environment Audit Committee has voiced support for.

Among the 12 ways in which Brexit threatens environmental policy, Lucas highlights a lack of oversight of compliance with environmental rules and Britain exiting key agencies, such as the European Environment Agency and the Chemicals Agency, as key concerns.

Moreover, a reduction in funding for the environment as EU spending and the potential exit from key schemes such as the Emissions Trading Scheme are also highlighted as main threats.

Lucas said: “Though we’ve hardly heard it mentioned by the government it’s clear that British environmental policy faces a cocktail of threats from Brexit. Key laws could become unenforceable, spending on crucial schemes could be cut and new trade deals could undermine existing regulations.

“Outside the EU, there will be much greater probability of legislative change in the UK, more exposure to the political cycle and a danger that investors will be wary of potentially higher risks. The relative attractiveness of the UK as a place for green investment is in danger of being further reduced.

“As well as outlining many of the dangers we currently face, this report seeks to present solutions. We need a Green Guarantee that will deliver on Government’s commitment to ensuring that “we become the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we found it. We need to immediately begin work on introducing an Environment act to ensure that Britain crucial rules and enforcement don’t drop off as Britain exits the EU.”