The Wildlife Trusts call on the Government to bin the ‘Bulldozer Bill’* - The Wildlife Trusts

Bill threatens important laws that protect places like the New Forest and wildlife such as otters, dolphins and peregrines

The Wildlife Trusts are calling on the Government to bin the ‘Bulldozer Bill’ – officially called the *Retained EU Law Bill – which threatens over a thousand laws that protect the environment. It is dubbed the ‘Bulldozer Bill’ because it could destroy laws which 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. We are suffering from a nature and climate emergency – the subject of global discussions at COP15 right now – and the UK 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