In 2016, he described the Habitats Regulations as 'spirit-crushing' Now George Eustice wants to 'refocus' them He has tabled an amendment to the Environment Bill But says the change won't undermine protections So why are green campaigners worried?

摘要

It was a speech replete with reassurances. Speaking after he had announced a plan to amend the Environment Bill to "refocus" the Habitats Regulations, environment secretary George Eustice sought to placate environmental groups concerned about deregulation. At the online event hosted by the Wildlife Trusts, Eustice made a series of announcements, including that a statutory target to improve species abundance by 2030 would be inserted into the Environment Bill, alongside new plans for tree planting, species reintroductions and ending the sale of peat. Following the speech, Craig Bennett, the Wildlife Trusts' chief executive, asked Eustice whether he would ensure that the Habitats Regulations are not undermined. "I can give that assurance, and actually that will be explicit on the face of the bill, so the amendment can only be used provided it is either to maintain or to enhance the protections that we have," Eustice replied.