Member

If it did happen, would it be transparent and would it be subject to any parliamentary scrutiny? It is really important that these decisions are published and that they are open. Natural England must continue to exercise professional discretion based on evidence and on statutory duty, not on ministerial pressure or preference. Environmental regulations lose their legitimacy the moment that scientific judgment is replaced by a possible political judgment. If the Government were minded to allow post-commencement EDPs at all, then surely we need stronger guarantees of transparency, clear eligibility thresholds, independent verification and public reporting of any decisions. Without that, such an innovation risks eroding confidence both in the system and in its underlying environmental purpose.