Brexit: environment and climate change report debated by Lords

17 Mar 2017 01:18 PM

On Thursday 23 March, the House of Lords debates the European Union Committee's report, 'Brexit: environment and climate change'

On 14 February 2017 the House of Lords EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee published a report into Brexit and environment and climate change. The Committee concluded that one of the key challenges in this area will be that of effectively maintaining environmental protection through the Great Repeal Bill, given the complex and extensive nature of environmental legislation.

The Committee also identified a risk of a vacuum once the European Commission and the Court of Justice of the European Union no longer have a role in the oversight and enforcement of environment legislation, given the significant impact those institutions have had on the UK's compliance in the past.

The Committee noted that the UK may wish to coordinate environmental standards with the EU in the future, to both enable trade and ensure the effective protection of the natural environment.

The Committee also concluded that the UK should explore diplomatic avenues to maintain its influence in climate negotiations post-Brexit.

Watch

Further Information