The Wildlife Trusts are calling on MPs to bin the Retained EU Law Bill – which threatens over a thousand laws that protect the environment. It is dubbed the ‘Bulldozer Bill’ because it could destroy laws which protect wild places and wildlife as well as those ensuring minimum standards for water quality and pollution.

Getting rid of environmental protections could not come at a worse time: the world is facing a nature and climate emergency, and the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world according to a study led by the National History Museum. Over 40% of species have declined in abundance and 15% are threatened with extinction.

The loss of key legislation could see the situation worsen dramatically with:

· More sewage and other pollution harming rivers, coastlines, and human health

· Precious places, such as the New Forest and ancient woodlands, put at risk of being damaged – and potentially destroyed – by development

· Increased use of pesticides at a time when agriculture desperately needs to reduce its dependence on dangerous chemicals

· The loss of vital laws that protect vulnerable wild animals including otters, dolphins and bats, and precious plants such as lady’s slipper orchid

Estelle Bailey, Chief Executive of BBOWT, said:
“This bill is an attack on nature – that’s why we’ve called it the ‘Bulldozer Bill’ – because that is exactly what it’ll do. It could destroy laws that protect our most precious wild places and the species that depend on them. It would be appalling if a developer could apply to build on the New Forest – and horrific if it was ok to shoot otters, a species that was nearly extinct so recently.

“It’s also an attack on people – which is why it’s opposed by the Trades Union Congress and the Institute of Directors, among many others, due to concerns for people’s health, safety and welfare. No matter what verbal assurances we receive from government, this bill will give ministers sweeping powers to water down or revoke laws. This process will allow ministers to decide whether to scrap or save legislation behind closed doors, with no scrutiny from Parliament.

“We are urging MPs to bin the ‘Bulldozer Bill’ now – before it’s too late.”