Brexit and the UK’s Environmental Ambitions

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), in partnership with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, is holding an event on Brexit and the UK’s environmental ambitions.

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. While the EU’s policymaking has not been enough to prevent major environmental risks, EU processes have helped to facilitate UK government action in a range of areas, from air quality to climate change.

Following IPPR’s research, this event will be an opportunity to take stock of the role of EU legislation, EU policing of this legislation and EU programmes such as the LIFE programme, Horizon 2020 and European structural funding. It will seek to explore the potential risks and opportunities of maintaining high environmental standards after Brexit.

Speakers include:

• Matthew Pennycook MP, Shadow Brexit Minister
• Caroline Lucas MP, Green Party
• Amy Mount, Head of Greener UK unit, Green Alliance
• Emily Lydgate, University of Sussex
• Chair: Adam Vaughan, Journalist, The New Scientist (invited)