Martin Brocklehurst’s Blog (martin.brocklehurst@me.com)

The Aldersgate Group has recently released a report Help or Hindrance – The Role of Environmental Regulations in the UK’s Industrial Strategy. It makes a strong case for the business value of regulation and debunks the myth that de-regulation is better for the economy. See the report at:

http://www.aldersgategroup.org.uk/latest#beyond-red-tape-smart-regulations-are-key-to-delivering-uk-industrial-and-environmental-ambitions

Successive Governments have suggested that environmental de-regulation will have major commercial benefit for UK business with no significant environmental effects. Where rigorous assessments have been put in place this has rarely been shown to be the case and most of these initiative run out of steam. They rarely deliver the initial benefits claimed. Indeed a series of EU Fitness Reviews, initially set out as de-regulation initiatives, have simply concluded that in the main the EU Environmental Regulations are fit for purpose.   The latest report adds to the weight of evidence that effective environmental regulation, drives change and is good for business, particularly when it consistent and increases in stringency over time.

The Trump administrations attack on Environmental Regulation in the US may deliver some short term gains but will in the long term damage the competitiveness of US industry. Access the New York Times report to see the full extent of the damage Trump is doing in the US with 60 examples of reduced environmental protection.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/10/05/climate/trump-environment-rules-reversed.html

Ponder what might happen to environmental regulation post BREXIT (unless it is stopped) in the UK unless we as citizens take action to prevent similar changes.