Labour using Brexit to weaken nature laws, MPs say

The River Itchen, a chalk stream, is one the habitats threatened by the changes. Photograph: Martin Godwin/The Guardian

Labour is using post-Brexit freedoms to override EU nature laws and allow chalk streams and nightingale habitats to be destroyed, MPs have said.

The planning and infrastructure bill going through parliament will allow developers to circumvent EU-derived environmental protections and instead pay into a nature restoration fund.