With Brexit rarely out of the news since the vote took place last summer, what are the implications going to be for UK environmental legislation?
Much of our environmental legislation originates from EU directives. Whilst some directives are applied directly, the majority is transposed in UK law. By creating our own statutory instruments, it means that this legislation will continue to apply whatever happens after Article 50 is triggered.
Undoubtedly, once the dust has settled, there will be a process of review of our environmental policy and legislation post Brexit. Given the complexity of the unravelling process, this is unlikely to take place for some time yet and we can only guess at what the government at that time will want to keep and will want to drop. It’s safe to say that mainland Europe is likely to continue to influence our environmental policy in some way, shape or form in the future.
In the meantime, ‘plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose’ as they say on the continent. Against the backdrop of uncertainty and pre-negotiation positioning of politicians, we remain legally obliged to adopt EU directives up to the point that Brexit is delivered. One thing’s for sure – the legislators will keep on legislating and the regulators will keep on regulating.
Wiser Environment will be following events closely and can help you understand what risk and opportunities may lie ahead. For further information, contact 01480 462 232.