Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

Environment Bill - Lords amendment 15D and Lords amendment 42D

21 June 2023 · 7 other contributors

Opened by Michael Tomlinson Con Wantage

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Michael Tomlinson raised concerns about environment bill - lords amendment 15d and lords amendment 42d in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Moves that the House disagrees with Lords amendments 15D and 42D
  • These amendments would delay necessary post-Brexit legislation and compromise environmental protection
  • Robust reporting requirements in the Bill ensure parliamentary scrutiny as per the Agriculture Act 2020 and Environment Act 2021

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Michael Tomlinson Con Wantage

Moves that the House disagrees with Lords amendments 15D and 42D. Stresses that this is not a rejection out of hand, but rather an acknowledgment that these amendments would delay necessary post-Brexit legislation and compromise environmental protection through additional scrutiny processes. Emphasises the robust reporting requirements in the Bill for parliamentary scrutiny and cites specific Acts like the Agriculture Act 2020 and Environment Act 2021 to support existing protections.

Other contributors (7)
  • Patrick Grady Lab Glasgow North

    Consistently criticises the Government's stance on environmental protection and parliamentary scrutiny. Accuses the Government of wanting to hinder post-Brexit legislation that would enhance these aspects, questioning their commitment to robust environmental standards.

  • Bill Cash Con Stone

    Intervenes to highlight a potential issue with subsections in Lords amendment 42D which may allow the House of Lords to effectively block proposals, expressing concern over this procedural aspect.

  • Margaret Greenwood Lab Islay

    My hon. Friend Justin Madders highlighted concerns about weakening environmental protection and the responsibility towards future generations during climate emergencies. Constituents have raised similar worries, stressing the importance of preserving current levels of environmental safeguarding.

  • Alyn Smith SNP Na h-Eileanan an Iar

    Mr. Smith argues against the necessity of the Bill and supports the Lords amendments, believing they make the Bill less harmful. He states that the Bill grants unnecessary powers to the Executive without proper scrutiny mechanisms, and highlights the legislative consent motions denied by Holyrood and the Welsh Senedd as a concern for Unionists in this debate.

  • Robert Buckland Con South Swindon

    He does not see the need for a non-regression clause and believes the British public supports high environmental standards. He suggests that 60 days is too long for scrutiny, but agrees with the principle of parliamentary sovereignty. He calls for a compromise on the number of days or role of the other place in approving regulations.

  • Stella Creasy Lab Co-op Walthamstow

    She criticises the Government's arrogance and lack of respect for parliamentary scrutiny. She argues that the Bill represents a ministerial power grab, not taking back control to the people but to the Prime Minister. She highlights concerns over environmental standards, consumer rights, and employment rights.

  • Michael Tomlinson

    Mr. Tomlinson disagrees with the hon. Member for Walthamstow, suggesting that there is a lot of listening and disagreement rather than failure to listen. He appreciates the engagement from the shadow Minister but maintains his opposition towards the Lords Amendment 15D, citing concerns about adding significant time which would place in doubt the effective use of repeal and replace powers before they expire. He encourages the House to bring this Bill to Royal Assent as quickly as possible.

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