Environmental Audit Committee: EU and UK Environmental Policy

19th April 2016

The Environmental Audit Committee's intention in publishing this report is to inform the debate ahead of the referendum on the UK's membership of the EU that will be held on 23 June, 2016.

This report – a result of a public enquiry – explores the design, implementation and evaluation of environmental policy at EU level and its resulting impact on the UK. It also discusses the past and future of EU environmental policy and the implications for the UK in light of a potential change to its current membership status.

Specifically, the cross-party Committee – whose members include Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, London Mayor front-runner Zac Goldsmith and Environment Minister Rory Stewart – heard from sustainability professionals, industry experts, green groups and fellow politicians on the impact that EU green policies have had on UK businesses; and the role of the EU as an international negotiator on environmental issues.