Environmental Decisions after Brexit

Part of 2. Questions to the Counsel General and Brexit Minister (in respect of his law officer responsibilities) – in the Senedd at 2:21 pm on 2 April 2019.

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Photo of Huw Irranca-Davies Huw Irranca-Davies Labour 2:21, 2 April 2019

I thank the Minister for that answer. I'm sure he'll agree with me that one of the critical protections afforded to citizens of the EU under the current arrangements is the ability to legally challenge Governments, as we've seen with landmark legal judgments such as those in air pollution brought by Client Earth repeatedly. In terms of a 'no deal', Client Earth's legal team have already warned that the UK Government claims that European Union protections will be fully maintained after Britain leaves the EU are false, and warned that a 'no deal' is the worst possible scenario for Britain's natural environment, climate and air quality. But I want to ask the Minister to try and give me as clear an answer as possible at this moment on what protections will remain for the citizen to legally challenge Governments under different forms of so-called 'soft Brexit' and, indeed, Theresa May's deal itself if it is brought back. Will the rights of the citizen to take on Governments be weakened or will they be maintained under these different scenarios? If the answer is that we don't know that yet today or it's too complex, I think I and other Members would be really grateful if the Minister could write to us when it is clear.