GOVERNMENT THE
GROUNDBREAKING ecocide laws which will see reckless company bosses jailed for environmental destruction have been backed by the Scottish Government, the Sunday Mail can reveal.
Ministers have thrown their weight behind plans to introduce severe penalties for causing widespread and irreversible damage to ecosystems and air, soil or water quality.
It means Scotland now looks likely to become one of the first countries in the world to officially recognise ecocide as a crime as part of an international movement to crack down on polluters.
The proposals were first championed by the Sunday Mail three years ago as Glasgow was preparing to host COP26, and a new Bill from Labour MSP Monica Lennon is currently the subject of a major consultation.
Thousands of overwhelmingly supportive submissions have been received from members of the public and institutions in the space of just four months and Greens biodiversity minister
Lorna Slater has now written indicating her government’s backing.
Lennon said: “This is a promising development and I welcome the Scottish Government’s support.
“Ecocide law is emerging around the world in a bid to prevent and punish the most serious crimes against nature.
“My proposed Bill to stop ecocide in Scotland is gaining widespread support and this encouraging update from the Scottish Government is a boost to the campaign. People expect politicians to unite to safeguard our environment from the most dangerous eco criminals. “Scotland can be at the forefront of ecocide law, not only keeping pace with the European Union but contributing on the world stage. The next UK Labour government will work with international partners and allies to bring ecocide crimes to the International Court.
“With ecocide law proposals currently in the Scottish Parliament and the House of Lords, there is huge potential for col laboration and co-operation between UK nations.”
The campaign for ecoocide to be recognised internationally as a crime was championed by Scots barrister and environmentalist, Polly Higgins, who died of lung cancer in 2019.
Lennon added: “This progress could not have been achieved without the vision and tenacity of Polly, who spent