How a group of elderly Swiss women managed to exclude Britain from the European Court of Justice – POLITICO

net zero litigation

The Conservative Party’s latest outrage over the ECHR follows the government’s decision to withdraw some of its net-zero emissions pledges, amid concerns that the new judgment could expose the government to further legal action from activists. It can be traced back.

When Mr Sunak eased some key environmental policies in autumn 2023, effectively ending the UK’s relative political consensus on the drive towards net zero, he faced opposition from green groups and some MPs. aroused criticism. The move follows pressure from the Conservative right-wing, which argues such policies are unaffordable amid the cost of living crisis.

Thanks to the ECHR judgment, the shift in focus could expose the government to further litigation from individuals and campaign groups concerned that the UK is falling short of its climate change targets. Even before this ruling, several green groups had already defeated the government in court over the target.

“We and other organizations will continue to consolidate this precedent as we understand the details of the court’s findings,” said Sam Hunter-Jones, senior solicitor at environmental charity ClientEarth. Ta. Client Earth is currently suing the government and has already filed suit. He has taken it to court and won previously. Translation: Expect more lawsuits.

Jenine Walker, legal manager at campaign group The Good Law Project, added that the UK government “could theoretically face further legal action”.

Politicians on the Conservative right see an opportunity to link the campaign to leave the ECHR with efforts to scrap the UK’s net zero drive.