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…

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Fisheries Bill for the UK: how will Northern Ireland’s waters be managed?

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Nature Matters NI response to Northern Ireland Future Agricultural Policy Framework

Belfast Food Network and Nature Matters NI Letter on Farming and Food

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Nature Matters NI Brexit Position Statements

Health and harmony: the future for food, farming and the environment in a Green Brexit – Nature Matters NI response

“Ambitious NI Agriculture policy needed” – Nature Matters NI

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Policy Briefing: The Future of Agricultural Support in Northern Ireland

“25 Year Plan needed for Northern Ireland’s environment”

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