Brexit and the environment

The EU has not escaped criticism on its environmental policies, but as in so many other areas of its remit, the net results were a significant benefit.

Thirty years ago Britain had the highest sulphur dioxide emissions in the EU as well as shocking water pollution around our coastline – we were considered the dirty man of Europe. So while land subsidies and fishing quotas, which are two areas that have attracted criticism on environmental grounds, are still undergoing reform, there is no doubt that our water and air is far cleaner today thanks to EU law.

Optimists see Brexit as an opportunity to retain existing EU environmental law and cherry pick future legislation in this area to our best advantage. This overlooks the fact that the British government has faced legal action over failure to meet its obligations under EU air quality. Without the legal pressures brought to bear by EU membership, it is questionable whether policy-makers will make the effort (and find the budgets) necessary to safeguard the environment as they must.

Most importantly is climate change and the question of whether we will continue to adhere to the minimum goals set by the EU.

Much depends on the degree of turbulence suffered by our economy. In periods of recession, focus invariably moves away from environmental protection. Of one thing we can be certain. We are living in interesting times.

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