A new environment watchdog for the UK?

A new body might replace the European Commission in enforcing environmental law in the UK according to remarks made to MPs by Michael Gove this week.

The Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said a new ‘commission-like body’ will probably be required to address the governance gap that will be left after Brexit.

ClientEarth Director of Programmes Karla Hill said: “We welcome the Secretary of State’s recognition that we’ll need a new body to enforce environment law once we leave the EU.

“EU institutions oversee much of the proper implementation and compliance of our environmental law. Outside of the EU, the UK needs a fully independent body with real powers to make sure our governments live up to their environmental commitments – or we risk environmental law being ignored.

“Giving citizens a voice to protect the environment by improving access to justice rules is vital, but it’s only one part of the picture. A new body (or bodies) will work alongside people to secure environmental democracy.”

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