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Written question asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Labour) on Monday, 20 October 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 November 2025. It was answered by Baroness Levitt (Labour) on Monday, 3 November 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Aarhus Convention

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government when they plan to publish the response to the call for evidence on options to bring the UK into compliance with its obligation under the access to justice provision of the Aarhus Convention, in particular with regard to environmental claims being "prohibitively expensive".

Answer

The United Kingdom Government is committed to the effective implementation of all of its international obligations including those under the Aarhus Convention.

The Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services wrote to the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee on 29 May 2025, setting out the approach we plan to take over the coming years to bring England and Wales into compliance with the access to justice provisions in article 9 of the Aarhus Convention. The Minister of Justice for Northern Ireland also shared a letter with the Committee on 30 May 2025, setting out her plans for Northern Ireland to reach compliance with these provisions. Both letters can be found on the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’s website.

Our approach to England and Wales was informed by the Call for Evidence we conducted between 30 September 2024 and 9 December 2024. Our full response to that Call for Evidence will be published in due course.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL11148
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Environment protection Aarhus Convention
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk