The Govt is using Brexit to weaken environmental laws and the UK is falling behind the EU, despite Labour's pledge not to dilute standards. This is a political choice. We shouldn't just be matching the EU on environmental standards, we should be leading. theguardian.com/environment/20…

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill overrides the EU's Habitats Directives. The UK is falling behind the EU on water and air pollution, recycling and the circular economy. In some areas, such as banning toxic chemicals, aligning with the EU would save time, money and wildlife.

There have been some bright spots. The Govt banned sandeel fishing and has designated more Marine Protected Areas than the EU. Farming payments are now contingent on environmentally beneficial actions. However, these are outweighed by the lack of regulation in other areas.

It's dispiriting, but not surprising, to see that the talks on a global plastics treaty failed last week, despite the efforts of the UK Govt. It was blocked by a handful of petrostates. The talks will continue, but, meanwhile, so will plastic pollution. theguardian.com/environment/20…