Background: The Lords passed a substantial amendment on the need to meet the European standards for Environmental protection. This was prompted by almost universal condemnation of the Government’s proposals, in the consultation, for a new Watchdog.

With amendments now back in the Commons Government are seeking ways to assure MPs that new watchdog won’t be a ‘toothless mutt’, are a putting forward views and amendments on how this might be done. Whilst Michael Gove has signaled that he would consider a suitable amendment to the bill this will no doubt be carefully crafted. Here are a few background documents:

Guardian Gove has let it be known that he thinks the Treasury damaged the Tories’ green credentials by obstructing his plans for replacing EU law.

Michael Gove has won a significant victory over the Treasury after the chancellor, Philip Hammond, had blocked his plans for replacing EU environmental protections after Brexit. In a demonstration of the government’s readiness to make concessions to get the EU withdrawal bill on the statute book before the summit at the end of June, the environment secretary has indicated he intends to make concessions on environmental protection after a crushing defeat in the Lords. At an event organised by the Policy Exchange thinktank, Gove acknowledged the force of the Lords defeat. He suggested he was prepared to accept a “constructive” alternative to the Lords attempt to entrench EU standards in UK law.

Speaking at an event organised by the Policy Exchange think tank, Gove suggested the recent row over the powers provided to a post Brexit green watchdog could be addressed by a new amendment to the Withdrawal Bill. Business Green

Mr Gove will be questioned by the EFRA committee on Wednesday – tomorrow