10th October 2019
Environmental NGOs are warning of a serious risk to Northern Ireland’s environment if the UK leaves the EU without a deal at the end of October
Nature Matters NI is warning that a no deal Brexit could see damage caused to the environment by agricultural produce piling up unable to cross the border, immediate impacts on access to fishing grounds for both UK and EU vessels, and see an huge gap in environmental governance open up if nothing is put in place to replace the oversight of the European Commission and European Court of Justice.
Nature Matters NI spokesperson John Martin said:
“Under current arrangements, any member of the public can make a complaint to the EU if they believe environmental law is not being properly enforced. For example, air pollution is linked to 500 premature deaths a year in Northern Ireland and the UK government is currently facing the threat of millions of pounds in fines for failing to meet air quality targets.”
“If we crash out of the EU without a deal, this oversight from the EU will end immediately and citizens’ options if they believe environmental law isn’t being enforced will be limited to costly judicial review. While the UK Government is developing plans for interim measures for England that would allow citizens to continue to submit complaints, there are no similar plans for Northern Ireland.”
“There is a real risk that Northern Ireland could be left behind when it comes to environmental governance at a time when strong enforcement will be needed more than ever. This not only puts our environment at risk but also the health and well–being of our citizens.”
More News from Nature Matters NI…
The future of farming – DAERA must act now
Fisheries Bill for the UK: how will Northern Ireland’s waters be managed?
NI farming risks being left in the past
Nature Matters NI response to Northern Ireland Future Agricultural Policy Framework
Belfast Food Network and Nature Matters NI Letter on Farming and Food
Post Brexit fisheries regime could leave Northern Ireland in the lurch
Northern Ireland’s Environmental Governance At Risk of Disappearing Post–Brexit
Nature Matters NI Brexit Position Statements
“Ambitious NI Agriculture policy needed” – Nature Matters NI
Nature Matters NI join UFU at Farming & Environment Roadshows
Policy Briefing: The Future of Agricultural Support in Northern Ireland
“25 Year Plan needed for Northern Ireland’s environment”
EU Committee told North–South co–operation “vital” post–Brexit
