Legal Strategy

Co-Chair:  Rosie Sutherland (RSPB)

Co-Chair: Carol Day (RSPB)

Link: Niall Watson (Senior Policy Officer)

Update from the Group:

The Legal Strategy Group advocates for fit for purpose application of the UK’s obligations under the Aarhus Convention. The Convention establishes several important rights of the public (individuals and their associations) with regard to the environment, including the right to access justice and challenge public decisions on environmental law.

In preparation for the Aarhus Meeting of Parties (MOP) in November last year, Environment Links UK prepared two Statements to the MOP on Costs Protection and on Environmental Defenders and, during the MOP, co-hosted a side event on Environmental Defenders. Environment Links UK and the Environmental Rights Centre Scotland had earlier in the year prepared a response to the UK's draft National Implementation Report to the MOP. At the MOP the UK took the unprecedented step of refusing to endorse the two Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee (ACCC)’s findings on UK breaches.  

Link also responded to worrying rhetoric coming from both government and media suggesting the public’s access to environmental justice – specifically protected by the Aarhus Convention – should be restricted and sent a letter to the Prime Minister seeking reassurance that the Government remains steadfast in defending access to environmental justice and that the UK approaches the MOP as a committed and compliant signatory. The response received indicates support for the Convention but worryingly suggest that the UK will be seeking reforms to the compliance process.  

Link is also working to secure UK backing for an additional binding Protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) that would finally recognise the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

For further information, please contact Niall Watson, Link's Senior Policy Officer for the Legal Strategy Group: niall@wcl.org.uk 

Last updated: February 2026