CONSTANCE BACKS BILL TO PROTECT ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS FROM BREXIT

CONSTANCE BACKS BILL TO PROTECT ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS FROM BREXIT

Almond Valley MSP Angela Constance has backed a Bill to protect environmental standards by “keeping pace” with the EU after the end of the Brexit transition period.

 

 

The UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Bill will allow or provide for continuity of provision that would otherwise be lost on withdrawal from the EU.

 

The Bill’s proposals on environmental principles and governance will help Scotland maintain high standards, in line with the EU, to support our world-leading efforts tackle the climate emergency. 

 

The Scottish Government has also renewed calls on Boris Johnson to agree a two-year extension to the transition period - warning that the Tory government's failure in the Brexit talks is threatening the economy.

 

Ms Constance said : 

 

West Lothian voted to remain in the European Union, along with every other local authority in Scotland.

 

“Brexit must not mean a race to the bottom on environmental standards – which is why the Scottish Government is rightly seeking to keep pace with European regulations.

 

"The UK is already facing the worst economic crisis in decades – yet the Tories are determined to crash out of the transition period this year, imposing yet more uncertainty on Scottish businesses during a global health emergency.

 

“I believe the best future for Scotland is as an independent member of the EU - but this Bill will enable us to ‘keep pace’ with Europe in devolved areas and will complement Scotland’s world-leading ambitions to tackle climate change.”

 

ENDS

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