The #EnvironmentBill is being discussed by MPs again this week with sessions today and Thursday. You can tune in to this morning's session at

https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/ff18ee8b-102c-4868-85c3-3b63320a18b8
First issue to be discussed in the committee is the importance of the Office for Environmental Protection operating transparently. Everyone in agreement on the importance of openness but some questions remain on the technical detail @CampaignFoI https://www.cfoi.org.uk/2020/02/restrictions-on-the-disclosure-of-information-in-environment-bill/
The #EnvironmentBill aims to significantly improve England's natural environment - but does this include the sea? Everyone including the govt agrees it must - but the bill could be clearer on this 🐙🦀🌊 @mcsuk @WWF_UK_Politics @WCL_News

https://greeneruk.org/sites/default/files/download/2020-11/Greener_UK_and_Link_Briefing_Environment_Bill_Commons_Committee_Clauses41to43.pdf
. @alanwhiteheadmp explains that while Explanatory Notes can be a helpful guide to interpretation, legislation must be able to stand the test of time - adding the word 'marine' to the #EnvironmentBill will put this important issue beyond doubt.
The meaning of the term 'natural environment' includes seawater, intertidal zones and the seabed says @pow_rebecca - helpful for this assurance to be written into Hansard; much better for it to be in the #EnvironmentBill itself.
The committee is now looking at clause 43 which defines 'environmental law'. This matters as it will provide the legal basis for how the Office for Environmental Protection can act to make sure our environment is protected #EnvironmentBill
As @alanwhiteheadmp points out, use of the word 'mainly' will lead to an overly narrow interpretation of environmental law. @CommonsEFRA raised concerns about this word when it scrutinised the draft bill clauses

https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmenvaud/1951/195107.htm#_idTextAnchor060
MPs are now considering a proposal from former committee members @KerryMP @alexsobel to include global footprint in the #EnvironmentBill @alanwhiteheadmp says new govt amendments to address illegal deforestation & due diligence have been tabled - we look forward to seeing these.
Little debate on arguably one of the most significant parts of the #EnvironmentBill - to introduce a new environmental governance system in Northern Ireland. Read our briefing

https://greeneruk.org/sites/default/files/download/2020-11/Greener_UK_and_Link_Briefing_EnvironmentBill_Schedule2_Northern_Ireland.pdf
One of the most controversial parts of the #EnvironmentBill is now being discussed by MPs - the 'power grab' by ministers to tell the Office for Environmental Protection how it should enforce potential breaches of law by the government.

https://greeneruk.org/sites/default/files/download/2020-11/Greener_UK_and_Link_briefing_Environment_Bill_Committee_govt_amendments_on_the_OEP.pdf
. @alanwhiteheadmp & @DanielZeichner raise justified concerns about the sudden emergence of government's #EnvironmentBill amendments on the Office for Environmental Protection. They weren't in the bill previously so missed out on select committee scrutiny & public consultation.
You can follow @ruthmchambers.
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