Remarks by Michel Barnier at the EU Parliament: ‘Is Brexit a threat to the future of the EU’s environment?’

On 10 April 2018, the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, addressed the issue of post-Brexit UK environmental policy.

Background information:

In January 2018 the United Kingdom Government published its 25 Year Environment Plan called A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment, in order to improve and protect the environment. Under this plan, the UK vowed to be a 'global champion' of greener policies after 29 March 2019.

On 10 April, the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, said in a debate in the European parliament that the 27 member states would be “extremely vigilant” in blocking any attempt by the British government to undercut current regulations to gain a competitive advantage. He said that the future partnership with the UK should include a non-regression clause and prevent the reduction of pre-Brexit standards.

Concerns shown by the EU have been underscored by a new academic study about the post-Brexit consequences on the environmental policy in the UK. This report forewarns of declining protections for water quality, animals and their habitats.

European Commission: Press Release, 10.04.18: Remarks by Michel Barnier at Green 10: "Is Brexit a threat to the future of the EU's environment?" http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-18-3162_en.htm

ESO: Find further information in ESO on environmental policies in the UK post-Brexit http://www.europeansources.info/advSearchLink?keyword=brexit%20after%20environment%20&searchOption=all

Reuters, 10.04.18: EU wants legal assurance Britain won't lower environmental standards after Brexit https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-environment/eu-wants-legal-assurance-britain-wont-lower-environmental-standards-after-brexit-idUSKBN1HH2FR

The Guardian, 10.04.18: EU will seek 'non-regression' clause to tie UK to environmental standards https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/10/eu-will-seek-non-regression-clause-to-tie-uk-to-environmental-standards

Network: Brexit and Environment https://www.brexitenvironment.co.uk/

EurActiv, 11.04.18: EU will seek ‘non-regression’ clause to tie UK to environmental standards https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy-environment/news/eu-will-seek-non-regression-clause-to-tie-uk-to-environmental-standards/

---