An inquiry is to be launched looking into the government’s proposals for a new environmental watchdog.
It will also look at government proposals to bring environmental principles into UK law after leaving the EU.
Defra’s consultation on Environmental Principles and Governance after leaving the European Union sets out how the Government plans to replace the role of the EU in enforcing environmental rules.
It also contains proposals to bring the EU’s environmental principles into UK law.
But the new watchdog will not be ready in time for exit day in March 2019, and farm and green groups have criticised the proposed watchdog as "toothless".
The CLA, a rural organisation representing farmers and landowners, has criticised the watchdog as "adding confusion and complexity" to environmental policy.
Mary Creagh MP, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee who will be launching the inquiry, said: “The EU’s role in holding successive governments to account has transformed the UK from the ‘dirty man’ of Europe in the 1970s, to a world leader on the environment.
“Ministers must ensure that our treasured natural spaces and iconic British species, and our ability to hold the Government to account on air pollution are not lost by leaving the EU.
“We will be looking closely at whether the Government’s proposals live up to its promises to keep high environmental standards after leaving the EU.”
The Committee aims to conclude its inquiry in time to report before the Government’s environment consultation closes on 2nd August 2018.
Submissions for the inquiry should therefore be made by 5pm on Friday 1st June 2018. Later submissions will be accepted, but may be too late to inform the Committee’s report.
