<p>The Government has been clear that we will not only maintain but enhance environmental standards as we leave the EU.</p><p> </p><p>The EU Withdrawal Act 2018 will ensure existing EU environmental law continues to operate in UK law once we have left the EU.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The UK Government and devolved administrations will amend current legislation to correct references to EU legislation, transfer powers from EU institutions to domestic institutions and ensure we meet international agreement obligations.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The UK Government will then have the opportunity, over time and with Parliamentary scrutiny, to ensure the legislative framework for England (and environmental matters that are not devolved) delivers high regulatory standards for the environment and our aim to be the first generation to leave the natural environment in a better state than we inherited it.</p><p> </p><p>New primary legislation beyond the EU Withdrawal Act will be required to implement new policies or institutional arrangements that go beyond replicating current EU arrangements in UK law. Any future regulatory alignment with EU law will be dependent on the outcome of future negotiations with the EU.</p><p> </p>