UK ‘used to be a leader on climate’, lament European lawmakers

The Guardian analysis found that since Brexit, the UK has weakened its environment rules in key policy areas from chemicals to climate. Illustration: Guardian Design

European lawmakers have lamented the UK’s decision to weaken environmental rules since leaving the EU, after the Guardian revealed it is falling behind in almost every policy area.

One Green group MEP said the findings were “tragic” while a centre-right MEP said the divergences were “particularly bad” for companies that want to do business on both sides of the Channel.