Creagh questions approach to Brexit and the environment

Brexit and its impact on the environment dominated the agenda at the Kit Strange Memorial lecture yesterday, as shadow environment secretary Mary Creagh criticised the government’s handling of the environmental impacts. Mrs Creagh pointed to the November budget, where Phillip Hammond announced plans to investigate how the tax system and charges on single-use plastic items can reduce waste. As chair of the Environment Audit Committee, she says she has seen nothing materialise.” Click here to read more 

Cumulative loss of EU role and budget cuts undermining UK’s environmental work

A coalition of leading environmental groups says there is a “significant risk” that British environmental protections will be reduced after Brexit, despite the government’s positive rhetoric. Greener UK, which represents 13 campaign groups including WWF, National Trust, RSPB, Friends of the Earth, Green Alliance and the Wildlife Trusts, says there are “serious concerns” that the government will not cooperate with the European Union after Brexit on environmental issues which need international agreement. Click here to read more

Reports: Brexit impact assessment leak spells green economy woes

BuzzFeed Leaked Whitehall Impact Assessment of Brexit suggests every sector of the economy will be worse off under all scenarios once the UK leaves the EU. The government expects almost every sector of the economy to be worse off outside the European Union than it would otherwise have been, with a host of green sectors likely to be directly affected. The leaked report warns the economy would be particularly hard hit if the UK opts to leave both the single market and customs union. It will also raise alarm bells amongst green businesses and NGOs for floating the possibility that new trade deals could seek a watering down in UK environmental standards.

Academic Network looking at what Brexit means for the Environment

A network of academic experts is behind a new hub looking at what Brexit means for the environment. It considers, through independent research, the implications for policy, politics and governance in the UK. It also covers related sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and climate change.