It is dubbed the ‘Bulldozer Bill’ because it could destroy laws that protect wild places and wildlife, as well as those ensuring minimum standards for water quality and pollution.

Getting rid of environmental protections could not come at a worse time. The UK is suffering from a nature and climate emergency, and is already one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

Over 40% of species have declined in abundance and 15% are threatened with extinction.

The loss of key legislation could see the situation worsen dramatically with:

• More sewage and other pollution harming rivers, coastlines, and human health
• Precious places, such as the New Forest and ancient woodlands put at risk of being damaged – and potentially destroyed - by development
• Increased use of pesticides at a time when agriculture desperately needs to reduce its dependence on dangerous chemicals
• The loss of vital laws that protect vulnerable wild animals including otters, dolphins and bats, and precious plants such as lady’s slipper orchid

Duncan Hutt, Director of Conservation at Northumberland Wildlife Trust says:

“This Retained EU Law Bill is an attack on nature which is why we’ve called it the ‘Bulldozer Bill’ - because that is exactly what it’ll do. It could destroy laws that protect our most precious wild places and the species that depend on them. It would be appalling if a developer could apply to build on protected green spaces - and horrific if it was ok to shoot otters, a species that was nearly extinct until recently.

“It’s also an attack on people - which is why it’s opposed by the Trades Union Congress and the Institute of Directors, due to concerns for people’s health, safety and welfare.

“No matter what verbal assurances we receive from government, this Bill will give ministers sweeping powers to water-down or revoke laws. This process will remove democracy from the legislative process, allowing ministers to decide whether to scrap or save legislation behind closed doors, with no scrutiny from Parliament.

“We are urging MPs, not just in the Trust areas of Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside but throughout the UK to bin the ‘Bulldozer Bill’ now… before it’s too late.”