Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Government plans for steps taken to meet the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive to continue after the UK leaves the EU; and if he will make a statement.

In the Queen’s speech 2017 it was announced that a Bill will be introduced to repeal the 1972 European Communities Act. The Bill is to provide certainty for individuals and businesses on leaving the EU by converting current EU law, including that transposing the Water Framework Directive, into UK law. This will ensure a smooth and orderly transition as well as retaining legislation that protects our environment.

We remain fully committed to delivering our manifesto commitment to be the first generation to leave the natural environment of England in a better state than we found it.