BREXIT IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY.pdf

The UK's withdrawal from the EU will have a significant impact on its environmental policy, with the majority of UK environmental legislation currently based on EU law. The UK government aims to maintain EU law until it has been reviewed and replaced with new UK legislation, with existing targets and commitments established in EU legislation continuing to apply. Brexit may also provide an opportunity for the UK to increase its emphasis on environmental protection, with Defra deputy Chris Preston stating that it presents a "unique opportunity" to drive up resource productivity and recycling targets. However, there are concerns that the UK may reduce its environmental targets and water down legislation in some areas, which would be closely watched by European policy-makers and environmentalists. The EU's main Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, has indicated that the EU would remain vigilant in any future negotiations and has ruled out the "cherry picking" of EU legislation. Despite this, it is unlikely that the UK government will take action to significantly reduce its climate and conservation targets and commitments, with indications that the government intends to adhere to standards at least comparable to those of the EU.