Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is calling on local MPs to bin ‘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. Derbyshire is suffering from a nature and climate emergency, 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:
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More sewage and other pollution harming rivers, coastlines, and human health
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Precious places, such as the uplands of the Peak District and ancient woodlands put at risk of being damaged – and potentially destroyed – by development
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Increased use of pesticides at a time when agriculture desperately needs to reduce its dependence on dangerous chemicals
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The loss of vital laws that protect vulnerable wild animals including beavers, otters and bats, and precious plants such as Jacob’s Ladder.