Date: Monday 23rd November

Time: 14:00-15:30 UK

Where: Online (Zoom) – Sign up here

The next UK-EU summit on 20 November promises to mark a new chapter in relations across Europe. Andy Burnham’s recent speeches at the Labour Party Conference and in Parliament are perhaps the most significant sign of serious consideration being given to the full range of options the UK has for a new relationship with the EU since Theresa May’s Government. These pathways towards closer integration could include participation in the Single Market, membership of a Customs Union, European Economic Area (EEA)-style arrangements, or eventually rejoining the European Union.

While much discussion has focused on the economic and political implications of these scenarios, comparatively little attention has been paid to their environmental consequences. Ursula Von Der Leyen’s recent State of the Union speech started by prioritising action on climate resilience, including responding to heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires. This messaging was echoed in the same week by Burnham. Coinciding with the last day of COP31 in Turkey, will the UK-EU summit see climate and environment at the heart of future cooperation? What will the final signed agreements on agri-food with the EU mean for environmental standards? Will there be any surprise announcement on other policy areas such as chemical regulations?

Hot on the heels of this summit, IEEP UK will be hosting a webinar on Monday 23 November, at 14:00–15:30 to explore these questions and the implications of the meeting for the UK’s environment. Lord Teverson, IEEP UK’s new chair will be in the driving seat and getting the perspectives of our panel, which will include Ben Reynolds (Executive Director, IEEP UK) and Sarah Williams (Head of Partnerships, Green Alliance). Further speakers will be announced shortly.

You can register to attend the webinar here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4–CPyxSQua9YWw-r3AUtA

Photo by Vsevolod Belousov on Unsplash