Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill

Written evidence submitted by Christine Lindsay (REULB70)

The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill - Objection with Evidence

I am writing to say that most strongly object to the intention to revoke and reform around 570 EU environmental protection laws which are part of this Bill. The passage of this Bill through Parliament (both in respect of its Revocation as well as Reform) give me reason for grave concern. This is a critical time in human history when nature should be central to all legislation and policy and the ability for Parliament to debate and scrutinise these aspects are vital.

These EU laws have progressively evolved and strengthened with strong UK input over decades to establish an invaluable basis and framework to protest our environment. These laws are founded on important key principles and they must not be lost or weakened in any way. Currently there is no Government plan to roll out new environmental legislation before these laws are sunsetted by 31st December 2023. Therefore the scale of this legislative review is enormous and the timetable short. If this Bill were passed, the Environment Act of 2021 will be virtually toothless!

As a nation we value our environment and the natural world. Wonderful organisations like the Woodland Trust, RSPB, the Wildlife Trusts, CPRE, WWT have pioneered the importance of protecting nature, its animals and all its fauna and flora. We must continue to look after and protect our natural world - not trash it!

I therefore ask you to not pass this Bill and to find other solutions and plan for a better way forward.

Christine Lindsay

November 2022