Environment Bill

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The Environment Bill was published on 30 January 2020 and is the reintroduction of a UK Government Bill from the previous Parliamentary session.

Overview

The Bill is extensive with provisions falling under two broad themes:

  • A new domestic framework for environmental governance and principles following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU; and
  • A range of environmental targets and provisions in specific policy areas including waste, air quality, water and chemicals. 

Lead Committee: Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee

SPICe briefing

A full SPICe briefing on the Bill is available.

Legislative Consent Memorandum

The UK Government has sought legislative consent from the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government published a Legislative Consent Memorandum on 27 May 2020, which includes a draft motion to consent to the Bill.

The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee published its report on the UK Environment Bill and LCM on 19 June 2020. In its report, the Committee unanimously agreed it was unable to make a recommendation in relation to the LCM. The Committee further outlined its concerns in a letter to the Presiding Officer on 23 June 2020. The Presiding Officer responded to the Committee on 3 July 2020.

On 23 June 2020, the Convener made a committee announcement to the Chamber to draw members’ attention to the Committee’s report.

The Scottish Government responded to the Committee’s concerns as raised in their report on 7 September 2020. 

A Legislative Consent Motion was lodged on 10 November 2020. The motion was agreed to on 12 November 2020.

Consideration by Scottish Parliament Committees

DateDocument
8 June 2020Letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform to the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee providing further information about the Environment Bill and LCM.
10 June 2020The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee report on the Environment Bill and LCM.
15 June 2020The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee took evidence from the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform on the Environment Bill and LCM.
17 June 2020Combined stakeholders’ comments in response to an Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee letter seeking stakeholder views on the Environment Bill.
19 June 2020Environment, Climate change and Land Reform Committee report on the Environment Bill and LCM.
 23 June 2020  Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform letter to the Presiding Officer and Finance and Constitution Committee highlighting concerns in relation to the Environment Bill and LCM.
23 June 2020On 23 June 2020, the Convener made a committee announcement to the Chamber to draw members’ attention to the Committee’s report.
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