WWF Campaigning For Independent Environmental Watchdog Following Brexit

It is scary how quickly wildlife is disappearing in the UK. Everything from hedgehogs to bee numbers are plummeting, making Britain one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries in the world. As the UK gets ready to exit the EU it is at a critical moment, facing a stark choice. Things could get substantially worse if EU environmental regulations are not replaced adequately. Alternatively, things could get better so long as the UK takes the right course of action and restores nature to its best.

The need to choose wisely

If the UK chooses wisely, natural habitats and wildlife could recover, air could become cleaner, the seas healthier and the soil more fertile. The UK could position itself as the global leader for nature. The recently published draft Environment Bill represents a serious test of the present government’s ambition. As the uncertainty over Brexit continues, the new draft Bill represents a huge win for Michael Gove as he battles for a greener Brexit against those in parliament who would roll back environmental protection after the UK leaves the EU

The Bill needs to be improved

Aspects to be celebrated include the legal foundation of the 25 Year Environmental Plan which seeks to make a commitment to reverse the loss of nature. Whilst that is commendable, the Bill still has a long journey to travel if the Government is to stay true to its promise of leaving nature in a better condition for the next generation. As a result, WWF is campaigning for major improvements to certain aspects of the Bill as it makes its way through Parliament. WWF wants legally binding environmental restoration targets and an independent environmental watchdog.

Hundreds of thousands support strong environmental
protection

One reason for the draft Bill being stronger than imagined was the huge number of people that voiced their support for strong laws. 176,746 people made their views known during the consultation period, of which tens of thousands were supported of WWF. So many people speaking out in support of the UK environment made all the difference and it is important to maintain and increase the momentum going forward.

OEP needs to be independent

Perhaps the most important element of the draft Bill is the new environmental watchdog. This is the governing body that will be established to enforce regulations and replace the enforcement currently delivered by the European Commission and European Court of Justice. These two institutions are at present responsible for investigating public complaints and stopping unlawful activities through legal action if necessary. It is important that the new ‘Office of Environmental Protection” be truly independent.

Currently ministers retain control

Under the draft Bill the OEP will lack independence from the government and this has been pointed out a number of times by environmental groups. Groups like WWF say it is critical that the OEP be completely independent, fully funded, with real teeth and proper powers. As of now, the Bill allows ministers to retain control over all aspects of the OEP which means it is governed by the same institution it is supposed to be holding to account. That obviously means the long-term effectiveness and sustainability will be undermined.

Currently ministers retain control

Under the draft Bill the OEP will lack independence from the government and this has been pointed out a number of times by environmental groups. Groups like WWF say it is critical that the OEP be completely independent, fully funded, with real teeth and proper powers. As of now, the Bill allows ministers to retain control over all aspects of the OEP which means it is governed by the same institution it is supposed to be holding to account. That obviously means the long-term effectiveness and sustainability will be undermined.

Our children and grandchildren will thank us

The OEP must have the power to act independent of government so that it can take a stand on complaints of citizens and tackle environmental wrong-doings. As a result, WWF will be campaigning for an improved Bill that it hopes the general public will join in so that a law is passed that our children and grandchildren will be proud of and be thankful for.