European Union (Withdrawal) Bill

Lord Krebs Excerpts

Monday 18th June 2018 Lords Chamber

Tabled by

[Lord Krebs]

At end to insert “and do propose Amendments 3C to 3K as amendments to Commons Amendment 3A—

3C: Line 8, leave out “making and development of policies” and insert “exercise of relevant functions”

--- Later in debate ---

3K: Line 34, at end insert—
“(3) The Secretary of State must take steps designed to ensure that the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU does not result in the removal or diminution of any rights, powers, liabilities, obligations, restrictions, remedies and procedures that contribute to the protection and improvement of the environment.””

[Lord Krebs (CB)]

My Lords, while not moving my Motion B1, I should like first to thank the Minister for and acknowledge the changes made in the other place; I would say that they capture about 80% of what we were trying to achieve with the amendment moved in this House at Third Reading. In particular, as the Minister said, the amendment that he has tabled ensures that the new independent green watchdog, as it is often called, will have powers including the power to take legal action where necessary. I was also pleased to note that he referred to it in his comments as an independent watchdog, which was one part of my amendment, so that is already recognised by the Government, and that the Government would take both proportionate and appropriate measures, which was again part of my amendment.

However, in not moving my amendment, I do not wish to give the impression that this is the end of the story. I think that the Government’s commitment to replace the environmental protection that we have now as a member of the European Union is close but not quite there, and I hope that when the new environment Bill comes before this House later in the year, as we are promised, there will be a further chance to debate these matters. At that point, we can push the Government further.

Motion B1 not moved.