UK Government announces Environment Bill: ClientEarth reaction

The UK government today released draft clauses for new environment legislation, which establishes a new, independent environment body – the Office for Environmental Protection – and creates a statutory framework for environmental principles.

In relation to the new bill, ClientEarth UK environment law and policy advisor Tom West said:

“This bill is a step in the right direction and we are pleased that the government has listened to some of our concerns. But there is still a long way to go before the new watchdog has the strong legal teeth needed to protect our environment.

“This is not world leading yet but if the government shows some boldness in the new Environment Bill it can be. We need a watchdog that can stand up for people and work with them to ensure the government doesn’t get away with neglecting our environment.

“We also need new laws to protect our children from breathing dirty and harmful air.

“Brexit risks setting the UK back on environmental protections. This bill gives us the chance to remedy that.”