Latest news with #MonicaLennon
Spectator
2 days ago
- Politics
- Spectator
Scotland's Ecocide Bill is pure moral posturing
Here we go again. The Scottish parliament risks embarking on yet another exercise in legislative virtue signalling: the Labour MSP Monica Lennon's emotively titled Ecocide Bill. The Scottish government is reportedly looking favourably on this legislation, which would make destroying the environment a criminal offence punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Needless to say, destroying the environment – intentionally or recklessly – is already illegal under numerous statutes: the Environmental Protection Act, the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and the Climate Change Act, to name but three. But, like the ill-fated Named Person Act, the Gender Recognition Reform Bill or the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act, this Ecocide Bill is designed to 'send a message'. That message being: damaging the environment is a really, very bad thing indeed and should be opposed by all right-thinking people. Much like those earlier legislative missteps, the unintelligible Ecocide Bill, if it goes the distance, will repealed, ignored, or, most likely, ruled ultra vires – beyond the powers of the Scottish Parliament.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Politics
- Forbes
Scottish Politicians To Look At Making Ecocide A Criminal Offence
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MAY 06: In this photo illustration, A man holds a Saltire flag outside the ... More Scottish Parliament on May 6, 2009 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Today marks the 10th anniversary of the first Holyrood election polling day, before the Scottish Parliament gained full powers on July 1, 1999. (Photo by Jeff) Members of the Scottish parliament are to set to discuss whether or not to become the first nation in the United Kingdom to make ecocide a criminal offence. Labour MSP Monica Lennon has today (29 May) introduced the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill, which would make it a criminal offence to cause widespread, long-term or irreversible environmental damage. The bill defines ecocide as causing severe environmental harm either intentionally or through recklessness - where the harm is widespread, long-term or irreversible. And it would carry a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment for individuals found guilty, with provisions for publicity orders, remediation costs, and unlimited fines for corporate offenders. In addition, senior executives could be held personally liable when offences involve their consent, connivance or neglect. The bill will now be considered by the Scottish Parliament, with committee scrutiny and evidence gathering expected to begin before the summer recess. It also mandates reporting on its operation after five years, including data on prosecutions, convictions, and environmental and financial impacts. An open letter to members of the Scottish Parliament has been published, signed by various leading figures. Lennon said the bill already has a lot of cross-party support and she is optimistic about its chances of becoming law in an interview. She said the aim of the proposed legislation is to ensure the most severe environmental damage, which causes widespread or long-term harm will be treated severely. 'It's about having a really strong deterrent and trying to change behaviours at a system level, so we can have a sustainable future for both people and the planet,' she told me. 'If Scotland is serious about facing up to the climate and nature emergency, then we need to have an ecocide law, because so many other countries are introducing one.' The chief executive and co-founder of Stop Ecocide International, Jojo Mehta said ecocide was first coined to describe the severe environmental damage caused by the use of the chemical weapon Agent Orange during the Vietnam war in an interview. Mehta added several countries have already incorporated ecocide into their national laws, including France, Ukraine and Belgium. She said the concept has also become embedded in various international legal documents, such as the EU's Environmental Crime Directive, which came into force in May 2024. 'The definition of ecocide focuses on the results or threatened results of an action, regardless of the cause,' she told me. 'The point is actually to protect the vital ecosystems,' she told me. 'People need to be able to see it coming. It needs to be taken seriously. The definition has embedded itself so strongly in the legal and political arena in various parts of the world. 'And it is really capturing the zeitgeist, because there is a growing awareness now of the danger that mass environmental harm poses to human wellbeing.' Professor Kate Mackintosh, the executive director at UCLA Law Promise Institute Europe, said the move to criminalise ecocide reflects a growing global recognition that severe and reckless harm to nature deserves the same legal scrutiny as other grave crimes in a statement. 'By establishing criminal accountability for mass environmental destruction, Scotland contributes to an emerging legal framework that not only deters and punishes the worst offences against the natural world, but also upholds the fundamental human rights that depend on a healthy environment,' added Professor Mackintosh.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Edinburgh polluters could face up to 20 years in jail under proposed 'ecocide' bill
Scotland could become the first nation in the UK to criminalise ecocide under new proposals at Holyrood. The Ecocide (Scotland) Bill would make it a criminal offence to cause widespread, long-term or irreversible environmental damage. Those who fall foul of the law could face up to 20 years in prison while companies could receive unlimited fines, if the legislation is ultimately passed. READ MORE: Neighbourhood Edinburgh pub to close for refurb as it prepares for 'new chapter' READ MORE: Edinburgh filming for '90s classic movie remake takes over Portobello beach The Bill has been launched by Labour MSP Monica Lennon, who said it would deter people and firms from harming Scotland's natural environment. Scrutiny of the Bill is expected to begin before the summer recess, with a vote on it later this year. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. It would create a crime of ecocide, defined as causing severe environmental harm either intentionally or through recklessness, where the harm is widespread, long-term or irreversible. It would also seek to hold senior executives at companies liable when offences involve their consent, connivance or neglect. Ms Lennon said her Bill would send a strong message to polluters. She said: "I'm delighted to be publishing the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament today, on a strong foundation of cross-party and public support. "With ecocide law, Scotland can take bold and necessary action against severe environmental damage. "Environmental destruction isn't some distant issue for the people of Scotland - it directly threatens health, livelihoods, and the future of entire communities. "From sewage spilling into waterways to toxic pollution left behind by heavy industry, the damage is real and ongoing. "Ecocide is a crime against the common good, and those who commit widespread or irreversible harm should be held to account. "This is a vital opportunity for Scotland to become the first UK nation to criminalise ecocide and signal that the destruction of nature won't be tolerated here." Jojo Mehta, chief executive and co-founder of Stop Ecocide International, said: "This Scottish Bill is a striking example of how national action can drive global change. "Around the world, ecocide law is gaining ground as a vital tool - not just to punish environmental destruction, but to prevent it. "While the ultimate goal is to have ecocide recognised as a serious crime all over the world, national laws play a crucial role in legitimising that goal, building momentum, and providing accountability now. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "They help shape legal norms that are increasingly being reflected in international frameworks. "From the new Council of Europe Convention, which enables states to prosecute acts 'tantamount to ecocide', to the formal proposal by Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa to make ecocide a core international crime, momentum is accelerating. "Scotland's move adds meaningful weight to this shift, reinforcing the growing global consensus that mass destruction of nature must be treated as a crime, in law, and in principle."
Edinburgh Live
3 days ago
- Politics
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh polluters could face up to 20 years in jail under proposed 'ecocide' bill
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Get the latest Edinburgh Live breaking news on WhatsApp Scotland could become the first nation in the UK to criminalise ecocide under new proposals at Holyrood. The Ecocide (Scotland) Bill would make it a criminal offence to cause widespread, long-term or irreversible environmental damage. Those who fall foul of the law could face up to 20 years in prison while companies could receive unlimited fines, if the legislation is ultimately passed. The Bill has been launched by Labour MSP Monica Lennon, who said it would deter people and firms from harming Scotland's natural environment. Scrutiny of the Bill is expected to begin before the summer recess, with a vote on it later this year. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. It would create a crime of ecocide, defined as causing severe environmental harm either intentionally or through recklessness, where the harm is widespread, long-term or irreversible. It would also seek to hold senior executives at companies liable when offences involve their consent, connivance or neglect. Ms Lennon said her Bill would send a strong message to polluters. She said: "I'm delighted to be publishing the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament today, on a strong foundation of cross-party and public support. "With ecocide law, Scotland can take bold and necessary action against severe environmental damage. "Environmental destruction isn't some distant issue for the people of Scotland - it directly threatens health, livelihoods, and the future of entire communities. "From sewage spilling into waterways to toxic pollution left behind by heavy industry, the damage is real and ongoing. "Ecocide is a crime against the common good, and those who commit widespread or irreversible harm should be held to account. "This is a vital opportunity for Scotland to become the first UK nation to criminalise ecocide and signal that the destruction of nature won't be tolerated here." Jojo Mehta, chief executive and co-founder of Stop Ecocide International, said: "This Scottish Bill is a striking example of how national action can drive global change. "Around the world, ecocide law is gaining ground as a vital tool - not just to punish environmental destruction, but to prevent it. "While the ultimate goal is to have ecocide recognised as a serious crime all over the world, national laws play a crucial role in legitimising that goal, building momentum, and providing accountability now. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "They help shape legal norms that are increasingly being reflected in international frameworks. "From the new Council of Europe Convention, which enables states to prosecute acts 'tantamount to ecocide', to the formal proposal by Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa to make ecocide a core international crime, momentum is accelerating. "Scotland's move adds meaningful weight to this shift, reinforcing the growing global consensus that mass destruction of nature must be treated as a crime, in law, and in principle."
STV News
3 days ago
- Politics
- STV News
Polluters could face 20 years in prison under plans for UK-first law in Scotland
Scotland could become the first nation in the UK to criminalise ecocide under new proposals at Holyrood. The Ecocide (Scotland) Bill would make it a criminal offence to cause widespread, long-term or irreversible environmental damage. Those who fall foul of the law could face up to 20 years in prison while companies could receive unlimited fines, if the legislation is ultimately passed. The Bill has been launched by Labour MSP Monica Lennon, who said it would deter people and firms from harming Scotland's natural environment. Scrutiny of the Bill is expected to begin before the summer recess, with a vote on it later this year. It would create a crime of ecocide, defined as causing severe environmental harm either intentionally or through recklessness, where the harm is widespread, long-term or irreversible. It would also seek to hold senior executives at companies liable when offences involve their consent, connivance or neglect. Lennon said her Bill would send a strong message to polluters. She said: 'I'm delighted to be publishing the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament today, on a strong foundation of cross-party and public support. 'With ecocide law, Scotland can take bold and necessary action against severe environmental damage. 'Environmental destruction isn't some distant issue for the people of Scotland – it directly threatens health, livelihoods, and the future of entire communities. 'From sewage spilling into waterways to toxic pollution left behind by heavy industry, the damage is real and ongoing. 'Ecocide is a crime against the common good, and those who commit widespread or irreversible harm should be held to account. 'This is a vital opportunity for Scotland to become the first UK nation to criminalise ecocide and signal that the destruction of nature won't be tolerated here.' Jojo Mehta, chief executive and co-founder of Stop Ecocide International, said: 'This Scottish Bill is a striking example of how national action can drive global change. 'Around the world, ecocide law is gaining ground as a vital tool – not just to punish environmental destruction, but to prevent it. 'While the ultimate goal is to have ecocide recognised as a serious crime all over the world, national laws play a crucial role in legitimising that goal, building momentum, and providing accountability now. 'They help shape legal norms that are increasingly being reflected in international frameworks. 'From the new Council of Europe Convention, which enables states to prosecute acts 'tantamount to ecocide', to the formal proposal by Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa to make ecocide a core international crime, momentum is accelerating. 'Scotland's move adds meaningful weight to this shift, reinforcing the growing global consensus that mass destruction of nature must be treated as a crime, in law, and in principle.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
