Brexit deal: EU ‘kicks the can’ on securing green protections

The UK would not be required to uphold EU environmental rules after Brexit under the terms of a new deal signed with the European Commission, with ‘level playing field’ provisions moved to a non-binding political declaration. 

The deal, which will require sign-off from both the EU27 and the British parliament, sets out an aspiration for “robust commitments to ensure a level playing field” as part of any future trade deal, to be negotiated during a transition period in which the UK continues to follow EU law.