Wind in the Sails! UK's Game-Changing Environmental Principles in Policy Making
In a move that could revolutionize the way policies are made, UK ministers and government officials are now dancing to a new rhythm - the beat of environmental principles. A fresh legal duty has waltzed into force, putting the environment center stage in government policy making. Let's break down this symphony of sustainable change.
The Green Rules: What Are They All About?
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has orchestrated a set of environmental principles, transforming them from a noble idea to a legal must-follow. This is not just a gentle nudge but a strong push towards integrating environmental protection into every corner of policymaking.
Imagine a world where preventing environmental harm is not an afterthought but the main chorus of every policy. That's the "prevention principle" in action. Then, there's the "rectification at source" principle, aiming to fix environmental damage at its root, not just putting a Band-Aid on it later.
Have we got polluters? The "polluter pays" principle covers that, insisting those who cause the damage should foot the bill. Finally, the precautionary principle is like the safety net, ensuring that even if we're not 100% sure about environmental risks, we don't just wait and watch; we act to protect.
Why It's a Big Deal
This isn't just another set of guidelines to be buried in government drawers. Dame Glenys Stacey from the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) calls these principles a "powerful tool" to leave the environment in a better state for future generations. And guess what? The OEP will be watching, ready to report how well these principles are followed.
Ruth Chambers from Greener UK hails this as a "game changer" - but not just for the sake of it. She's looking for real action, not just ticking boxes.
Challenges and Legal Tug-of-Wars
As rosy as it all sounds, it's not all smooth sailing. Legal challenges are popping up, questioning the government's commitment to environmental policies. From Friends of the Earth taking the government to court over its 'unlawful' climate adaptation plans to Feedback seeking a judicial review of the government's decision to scrap mandatory food waste reporting. These challenges are like the plot twists in this environmental saga, demanding accountability and action.
This new set of principles could be the script for a blockbuster environmental comeback story. It's a chance for policies to waltz with sustainability, for prevention to be the headline act, and for polluters to pay the piper. But as with any story, the ending depends on how well the characters - in this case, the policymakers - play their roles.
Based on: 'A game changer': Environmental principles come into force for UK policymakers
by Cecilia Keating - 02 November 2023
