UK government sent to Europe over air pollution

0370 270 6000

Search Mobile

collapse

already registered?

Please sign in with your existing account details.

Email address

Password

need to register?

Register to access exclusive content, sign up to receive our updates and personalise your experience on brownejacobson.com.

Privacy statement - Terms and conditions

Forgotten your password?

collapseSign

Home

Insights

Resources

Blogs

UK government sent to Europe over air pollution

2 May 2013

We previously reported on a case deemed to be amongst the most important of this century so far. The judgment released yesterday declared that the Government is in breach of the EU Air Quality Directive.

The Supreme Court confirmed that because of the breach “the way is open to immediate action at national or European level”. This is an important decision. The decision opens the path for the European Commission to bring infringement action against the UK. More importantly it allays fears that the court might shy away from the enforcement of European directives relating to the environment leaving the only recourse at EU level. The Court of Appeal had decided that “this is a matter for enforcement at European level, rather than domestic level”.

The matter has been referred to the CJEU before a decision is made as to further action to enforce the law.

related opinions

Can an application to postpone a hearing be refused?

This case highlights the importance of Claimants obtaining their own medical evidence in such matters especially when it is pivotal to their claim.

View blog

A landlord’s promise, a tenant’s power

When it comes to leases, most people believe that landlords hold most of the power. However, in relation to long residential leases, the tables may well have recently turned in one respect at least following a recent Supreme Court decision.

View blog

High Court extends employer’s duty of care to Dubai whistleblower

Employers with global networks which include a base in the UK should be aware that they can face expensive and damaging negligence claims from employees who are based overseas regardless of the whistleblowing regime.

View blog

Chancellor announces levy on companies subject to anti-money laundering regulations

The Chancellor’s latest Budget Report outlined that the Government will introduce a £100 million Economic Crime Levy, otherwise known as the AML Levy no earlier than April 2022 to fund action to tackle money laundering and ensure delivery of reforms in the Government’s Economic Crime Plan.

View blog

View all blogs