EU Environmental Policy – its relevance post-Brexit (London4Europe)

Nigel Haigh is an Honorary Fellow of the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP), and was its Director from 1980 to 1998.

In his presentation, Nigel will outline the history of the involvement of the EU in environmental matters, and the consequences on UK environmental policy of the 2016 referendum result. It is suggested that the biggest long term impact of Brexit concerning environmental policy will be to weaken the UK’s influence on global environmental issues, which will be most important in the coming decades. Nigel will explain that environmental policy is at the centre of the EU – and not just climate change. It is also a popular subject with the public. He will argue that the European Movement would do well to pay more attention to environmental policy as a way of attracting members. Finally, he will outline some steps that an incoming Government could take to bring the UK closer to the EU.

Nigel Haigh’s presentation will be followed by a panel discussion, including Klajdi Selimi, President of the Young European Movement; and Michael Nicholson, Head of UK Environmental Policy, IEEP UK. The floor will be opened for comments and questions from the online audience.