The UK’s green future outside the European Union will move a step
closer today (Wednesday 26 February) with the Second Reading of
the Environment Bill.
Opening the Bill’s Second Reading, Environment Secretary
said the Bill is a
keystone in the government’s vision to deliver the most ambitious
environmental programme of any country on earth.
By freeing ourselves from future changes to EU law, we will be
able to lead the way at home and abroad to deliver global
environmental change.
Environment Secretary said:
“The Prime Minster is clear – and so am I - we will deliver the
most ambitious environmental programme of any country on
Earth.
“This transformative Bill is at the heart of our work. It will
see us recycling more and wasting less, breathing cleaner air,
planting trees, safeguarding forests, and supporting nature
recovery as we work to tackle climate change and reach net zero
emissions.
“And this is just the start. 2020 is a massive year for our
natural environment and the UK will take its place at the head of
the world’s table when we host the COP 26 climate change
conference in Glasgow, driving real change across the planet.”
The Environment Bill sets out how we plan to protect and improve
the natural environment in the UK, legislating to ensure the
environment is front and centre in our future policy
making.
The Bill will:
- transform our environmental governance and put environmental
principles into law;
- establish the new independent Office for Environmental
Protection to hold the government to account on the
environment;
- introduce legally binding targets to drive action by this and
all future governments to significantly improve air quality,
nature, water, and resource and waste efficiency.
Acting as one of the key vehicles for delivering the bold vision
set out in the
25 Year
Environment Plan, it brings about urgent and meaningful
action to tackle the environmental and climate crisis we are
facing.
Today, just a few weeks after the Bill was introduced, the
primary legislation is being brought forward for Second Reading
in the House of Commons. This is the first opportunity for MPs to
debate the new Bill.
The Bill sets a new and ambitious domestic framework for
environmental governance as we maximise the opportunities created
by leaving the European Union.
This landmark Bill will enhance wildlife, tackle air pollution,
transform how we manage our resources and waste, and improve the
resilience of water supplies in a changing climate to ensure we
protect and restore the natural environment.
The Second Reading of the Environment Bill is due to conclude on
Wednesday evening.
The Bill will then go to Committee Stage, with Report Stage and
Third Reading following this, before transferring to the House of
Lords for further scrutiny.
