Background
During the UK’s membership of the European Union, the UK Government and devolved administrations were required to comply with EU law. This ensured that in many policy areas, including some that are devolved, a broadly consistent approach was developed across all four nations of the United Kingdom.
Following its exit from the European Union on 31 January 2020, the UK entered a transition period which ended on 31 December 2020. Throughout the transition period, all parts of the UK had to comply with EU law. As this has now ended, there is a possibility of policy divergence between the four nations of the UK in these areas.
The UK and devolved governments have agreed that “common frameworks” – written agreements between governments within the UK – are needed to manage divergence in certain policy areas.
Provisional versions of some of these common frameworks are now available. They are “provisional” because the UK and devolved governments are now seeking views on them from legislatures (Scottish Parliament, UK Parliament, Northern Ireland Assembly, Senedd). Alongside counterpart committees in other parts of the UK, the NZET Committee has a role in scrutinising those common frameworks covering areas of policy falling within its remit.
What does the Committee want to know?
The Committee is seeking views on the following provisional frameworks:
Framework |
Description |
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The Framework addresses Euratom Directives that have been transposed into UK law relating to the basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation. |
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The Framework covers policies and regulations that aim to reduce harmful emissions and concentrations of air pollutants that can damage human health and the environment, including in relation to national emission ceilings and ambient air quality. |
Best Available Techniques/ Industrial Emissions (BAT)
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The Framework covers the regulation, control and prevention of pollution from industry. BAT covers the economically and technically viable techniques which are the best for preventing or minimising emissions and impacts on the environment. |
The Framework covers policies and regulations for Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F-gases). |
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This framework sets out how the UK Government and devolved governments propose to work together on regulating chemicals and pesticides to ensure the safe management of chemicals to prevent and/or minimise harms to human health and the environment. |
What are the key questions?
The Committee seeks your views on the following in relation to each of the above frameworks:
We want to hear as many informed views as possible on the provisional common frameworks.
Please submit your views using the online submission form, linked to below.
We welcome written views in English, Gaelic, Scots or any other language.
The call for views closes on 31 May 2022.
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