BES position on the UK Government’s European Union (Withdrawal) Bill

Commenting on today’s publication of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, Professor Sue Hartley, President of the British Ecological Society said:

“To truly deliver on the Government’s promise to transfer EU laws into UK legislation, new domestic governance arrangements and strengthened institutions should be established to make sure existing environmental protections are both implemented and enforced effectively. To ensure that environmental standards are maintained, or better, improved after Brexit, it is vital that key principles found within EU treaties, such as ‘polluter pays’ and promoting sustainable development, are also transferred into UK law through the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill.”

“Many current ecological challenges, such as the effects of climate change and invasive species, are of international concern and global impact so must continue to be addressed through cross-border collaboration.”