From Guest Blogger James Timpson: How a "No" Vote Will Affect the Environment in the 2016 EU Referendum

In the lead up to the 2015 general election there was a great deal of debate about the United Kingdom’s place in the European Union. In line with this the Conservatives included in their election manifesto the promise that should they win at the polls they would hold a referendum on whether the UK should remain in the EU. On election the Prime Minister pledged that the referendum would be held before the end of 2017, although it is now widely anticipated that it will take place next year.

If the country votes no at the referendum, then the path will be set for a UK exit from the EU and one of the key concerns is what this will mean for the environment going forward.

The ‘Dirty Man’ of Europe

The UK entered the European community in 1972 and since that time it has been subject to European directives which have shaped legislation concerning: pollution; waste management; carbon emissions; air quality; climate change; nature conservation; and a whole raft of other green issues. Europe has implemented wide-ranging regulations concerning the environment, in excess of 500 directives, and is viewed by many as having the most extensive environmental legislation of any organisation internationally.

Prior to joining the EU the UK had unfortunately gained the reputation of being one of the most unenlightened countries in terms of environmental awareness. Dubbed the ‘dirty man of Europe’ we had the highest levels of sulphur dioxide emissions and as effluent was pumped directly into the sea, with few controls in place, our coasts were fast becoming open sewers. In addition, any attempts at enforcing environmental policy were hit and miss affairs, with numerous governments reacting to issues only when they had reached a critical point.

The Environment and Business

As tighter environmental regulations were brought in, many viewed this as a positive factor for business, as progressive companies are more likely to gain a competitive advantage. However, there are those who believe that legislation throttles the market and weighs heavily financially on many companies who are already struggling in this time of economic uncertainty.

Therefore if the UK exits the European Union there will be a big question mark left hanging over the future of environmental legislation. Some are suggesting it will continue to be tightened in line with the global quest to reduce climate change, after all the G7 industrial nations have only just agreed to phase out fossil fuel by the end of the century, while others anticipate that it will remain largely unchanged. However, there are also considerable fears that the Conservative government would aim to reduce environmental legislation, particularly in areas which have a direct impact on business.

Unchartered Waters

If, as many feel, European legislation has had such a positive influence on improving environmental conditions and lessening pollution, why would a government look to repeal or amend it? The answer to this lies in the fact that a United Kingdom outside of the EU would be a very different place and we would be entering unchartered territory. No country has, as yet, left the Union and therefore it is untested what this would mean for a whole raft of economic, legislative and social matters. Amongst the multitude of issues which would be left hanging in the balance would be the huge EU subsidies which are currently given to UK farmers and the numerous EU directives which protect wildlife and aim to reduce pollution.

The Conservative government has had a very inconsistent record when it comes to green issues and while the Prime Minister has stated that clear action needs to be taken on climate change, overall the Conservative election manifesto was surprisingly brief when it came to issues of energy and the environment. It seems that while they are taking positive steps with tree planting, a clean-up of lakes and rivers and marine protection on the cards, they are on the flip side still supporting fossil fuels, with fracking set to go ahead and additional help for North Sea oil and gas forthcoming.

The Conservatives also align themselves consistently with the needs of business and if the UK were to vote no in a referendum there would be additional pressure on them to tone down environmental legislation to give the UK as many economic advantages as possible in the market.
The Future

Whatever the outcome in the EU referendum, what is true is that there is a raft of environmental legislation in place now which it is vital for UK businesses to adhere to. The current legislation is positive for the environment and it is also good for business, both financially and because consumers are increasingly eco-friendly and thus they want the businesses they purchase from to be the same. It is this public awareness which may yet hold sway when the vote is cast in the referendum and subsequently on any future decisions regarding the environment.