22 Aug 2017

Two articles illustrating the challenges of Brexit to environmental regulations Defra recruiting 1,400 policy wonks to pick up the pieces after Brexit The Register ‘Exclusive Defra – the UK government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs – is hiring 1,400 “business policy” folk so it can untangle itself from Europe after Brexit, according to multiple […]

17 Aug 2017

Guardian ‘The British government published proposals on Tuesday for “a new customs arrangement that facilitates the freest and most frictionless trade possible in goods between the UK and the EU”. The policy paper calls for “a continued close association with the EU customs union for a time-limited period after the UK has left the EU” in March […]

04 May 2017

CIWEM has published a briefing note on Brexit and the environment. It looks at the implications of the different exit scenarios for the environment, its management and regulation. It outlines key concerns and opportunities, notably associated with the loss of policy certainty and continuity. The briefing concludes the effects of Brexit “are likely to remain […]

13 Apr 2017

And so it begins. What was always going to be a difficult process starts very badly – the draft 25 year environment plan has been leaked. This is not going to be a comfortable time for Defra Ministers and officials since the reactions so far have been from complimentary. ClientEarth chief executive James Thornton told […]

06 Mar 2017

14 February 2017: The EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee publishes its report which highlights key actions that will be needed to ensure environmental protections are not eroded as a result of Brexit. Report: Brexit: environment and climate change (HTML) Report: Brexit: environment and climate change (PDF) Evidence Volume: Brexit: environment and climate change ( PDF 1.38 […]

06 Mar 2017

At the Coastal Futures conference there were two discussion sessions on Brexit which covered Environmental regulations and Fisheries. These briefings have now been completed by Suzannah Walmsley (Fisheries) and Chris Williams (Environmental Regulation). Although until Government actually say what their intentions are much is speculation there are some major elements highlighted by these briefings that […]

27 Feb 2017

In this talk to the NFU conference Andrea Leadsom has outlined the Government’s principles with reference to the CFP. It doesn’t provide detail but importantly ‘environment’ is highlighted as the third principle (see blow). For those looking for clues re CFP a statement to this effect would be a good start and the inclusion of […]

20 Feb 2017

The government’s Brexit White Paper (full title, ‘The United Kingdom’s exit from and new partnership with the European Union White Paper’) is short on detail and largely devoid of mentions of the environment, water or climate change. The government is also keeping its options open regarding the UK’s continued participation in the European internal energy […]