Scottish Environment LINK is the forum for Scotland’s environment sector, representing over 40 member bodies with a broad spectrum of environmental interests, and the common goal of contributing to a more environmentally sustainable society. Responding to this morning’s news on the end of the Bute House Agreement, its Chief Officer Deborah Long states:
“The nature and climate crises are more urgent and tangible at this moment than ever, and are already impacting everyday life in Scotland. The end of the Bute House Agreement changes the current makeup of the Scottish Government, but must not change the commitment of all parties to act ambitiously and swiftly wherever they can to combat these joint crises.
“Restoring and protecting nature is overwhelmingly popular with Scottish voters and is one of the most important steps we can take to fight climate change.
“We still eagerly anticipate the delivery of a long-awaited Natural Environment Bill to set legal nature targets and take vital steps to protect and restore our natural environment. Equally, the government’s commitments to enhance marine protection are long overdue, and it is crucial it works to put tailored fisheries restrictions in place across Scotland’s marine protected areas by the end of 2025.
“The Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill currently going through Parliament is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make farming work for nature, climate and people, and the Government’s commitments in the Bute House Agreement to take measures to reduce agricultural emissions, restore nature on farms and ensure high quality food production are key steps to making this Bill work.
“Additionally, we expect important work to continue on the designation of a new National Park, the strengthening of deer management measures, the bringing forward of a Land Reform Bill, enhanced species protection and action to address wildlife crime.
“The severity of the nature and climate crises cannot be overstated, and we need our representatives across all parties to work collaboratively to combat them, now more than ever.”
Deborah Long, Chief Officer at Scottish Environment LINK
ENDS
Image: Sandra Graham