David Gow, Editor of Sceptical.scot, assesses the strategies which smaller EU member states use to influence EU industrial and green strategy. Focusing on success stories like Finland and Denmark, he outlines important lessons for Scotland. Continue reading Influencing the European Green Deal and Industrial Strategy: Leaders and Laggards among Small EU States
Albert Weale argues that at a time of a climate crisis trumping frontiers, international governance is needed more than ever. Leaving the EU and its structures of cooperation could thus be counterproductive for the UK as the country sets new bold and needed environmental objectives. Continue reading Climate Change and the Irony of Brexit
Michael Grubb discusses how to go beyond the recent obstacles in the negotiations and the negative rhetoric by focusing on key sectors where interests are aligned. In his view, energy, climate and transport are the logical sectors from which to start the writing of a new positive relationship. Continue reading Forget punishment: the Brexit deal needs to carve out sectors of exceptional common interest
Environmental standards and accountability in the UK are profoundly shaped by EU legislation and policy, even the very softest of Brexits will expose gaps in the UK’s governance framework. Maria Lee, Professor of Law and co-director of the UCL Centre for Law and Environment, argues that new mechanisms are required to ensure accountability and protection of the environment in the UK after Brexit. Continue reading The UK needs a new independent body to protect the environment after Brexit
If the UK were to leave the EU, would British households face higher or lower energy bills? Nobody knows for sure, writes Stephen Tindale, Director of the Alvin Weinberg Foundation: it would depend on decisions taken and agreements concluded by a post-Brexit government. But claims from Brexiteers that leaving the UK would lead to lower energy prices are misleading. The reverse is more likely, according to Tindale. Continue reading Would Brexit lead to lower UK energy prices?
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