Brexit and the UK’s environmental ambitions
Article
The post-Brexit relationship between the UK and the EU will play a key role in shaping the UK’s future environmental ambitions. The UK’s current environmental and climate policy framework is underpinned by a swathe of EU legislation, robust governance structures, and considerable funding and financing opportunities. Once the UK leaves the EU, these relationships could change significantly.
In this report, we identify four main alternatives for the UK’s future relationship with the EU after Brexit and assess their implications for environmental policy.
Our analysis suggests that the closer the relationship between the UK and the EU, the stronger the safeguards for maintaining EU-derived environmental protections.
Related items

More for less? Employment, productivity and reform in Scottish public services
Excellent public services should be foundational to a flourishing society.
What would it take to eradicate child poverty in Scotland?
Delivering on the First Minister’s commitment to ‘eradicate’ child poverty seems a long way off.
Apathy and opposition: Understanding the real threats to net zero
Climate action is under siege from populist and far-right actors. Delivering under that pressure demands fresh confidence and commitment from government.