The Government has published plans for a new post-Brexit watchdog for green standards which will oversee farmers' environmental measures.
Defra published draft clauses of the Environment Bill on Wednesday (19 December) which set out how the Government will deliver its environmental ambitions by establishing the Office of Environmental Protection (OEP) as the new body to oversee governance.
This new green watchdog will hold the Government to account and will help to prevent damage to the environment through Brexit and beyond by supporting farmers to care for the countryside.
The OEP will have the power to take businesses, public bodies and the Government to court over any breaches of environmental law.
'Bureaucracy'
The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, welcomed the Bill and OEP saying it would help to strengthen existing green powers to enable the continued protection of the environment without added bureaucracy shifted on to those who care for it.
CLA Director of Policy and Advice, Christopher Price said: “We want to deliver for the environment through supportive policy that provides a clear idea of achievable outcomes.
“In our consultation response we called for the proposed new body to ensure the Government is scrutinised and penalised sufficiently so that environmental targets are met but without adding extra cost and complexity.
“We are pleased the Government has listened to us and believe existing green powers will be strengthened so that the farmers and land managers who deliver this important environmental work are supported in their role,” he said.
'World-leading'
Defra Secretary, Michael Gove said the “world-leading” OEP will "scrutinise environmental policy and law, investigate complaints and take action where necessary to make sure environmental law is properly implemented".
“Our ambition is to be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than that in which we found it,” Gove said.
“We will keep building on our successes by enhancing our environmental standards and delivering a Green Brexit.
“We will explore options for strong targets to improve our environment, and provisions on air quality, waste and water resource management, and restoring nature.”
