Government publishes suite of environmental legislation ahead of EU Treaty implementation - 195/2026

The Minister for the Environment, Prof John Cortes, has announced the publication of a first tranche of environmental legislation in support of the Government's obligations under the UK-EU Agreement.

Four sets of regulations and five Bills were published yesterday, with additional measures expected to follow in the coming weeks.

The Bills include both amendments to existing legislation - strengthening long-term climate objectives and energy efficiency targets - and entirely new primary legislation. Among the latter is the Nature Restoration Bill, which establishes a comprehensive framework for the restoration of degraded ecosystems across terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine environments. The Bill reflects the Government's recognition that biodiversity protection and climate action are intrinsically linked, and that healthy, functioning ecosystems play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing natural carbon sinks.

The regulations address a range of environmental priorities, including alternative fuel infrastructure, clean vehicles, ozone depleting substances, and the energy performance of buildings.

Further legislative measures are currently in development covering renewable energy targets, revised air quality objectives, and action to reduce single-use plastics.

Commenting on the publication, Minister for the Environment, Prof John Cortes, said: "Although this legislation is necessary to meet our international obligations, the Government has always been committed to maintaining environmental standards at least equivalent to those of the European Union. This package of measures is therefore a natural extension of the work already undertaken by my Department through the 25 Year Environment Plan and the Climate Change Strategy."