Press release: 9 November 2021

Media reaction: UK Environment Bill falls short of world-leading ambition

Today, the UK Environment Bill passed in Parliament and now awaits Royal Assent to become law. 

Kyle Lischak, who leads UK work at environmental law charity ClientEarth, said: “We welcome that, after a drawn-out process, the Environment Bill has been completed.

“While it’s important for the UK to have environmental laws post-Brexit, the Bill falls short of the world-leading ambition that the Government set out to ensure. Provisions for forest protection, clean air and environmental governance have been especially disappointing.

“But now the work really begins. As a framework law, the Bill is only a foundation – and much relies on further targets, policies and detailed rules that are yet to be developed. These will have to be strong enough and effectively enforced to protect people’s health and the environment in order for the Bill to fulfil its purpose.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:
About ClientEarth

ClientEarth is a non-profit organisation that uses the law to create systemic change that protects the Earth for – and with – its inhabitants. We are tackling climate change, protecting nature and stopping pollution, with partners and citizens around the globe. We hold industry and governments to account, and defend everyone’s right to a healthy world. From our offices in Europe, Asia and the USA we shape, implement and enforce the law, to build a future for our planet in which people and nature can thrive together.