The European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, which repeals the European Communities Act 1972, ensures that existing environmental law will continue to have effect in UK Law. It also requires Government to bring forward a draft bill on Environmental Principles and Governance which would, amongst other things, establish a new, independent, statutory environmental body to hold the Government to account on its environmental ambitions and obligations. In addition it would have powers to take legal proceedings.
Also, environmental principles are to be set out on the face of the Bill, for example, the precautionary principle, the polluter pays principle, public access to environmental information and participation in environmental decision making. However, principles relating to Climate Change have been omitted.
Major questions that have been raised include whether the wording of the Bill is adequate to retain current environmental principles and enforcement mechanisms and to deliver the vision of environmental improvements set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan – and, why has Climate Change been excluded?
Chair: Pamela Castle OBE
Speakers:
Martin Baxter, Chief Policy Advisor, IEMA – Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment
David Hart QC, 1 Crown Office Row
Peter Kellet, Director of Legal Services, Environment Agency
Debbie Tripley, legal advisor, WWF-UK
Date: 29th October 2018
Time: 9am Registration
Venue: Law Society, Chancery Lane
CPD: 2 hours
RSVP: Book your free place here
