The legislation to formally remove the UK from the EU risks undermining environmental progress in the devolved nations, Scottish and Welsh ministers have warned.
The two governments have raised concerns that the EU Withdrawal Bill will damage efforts to protect the environment, including tougher emissions reduction targets in Scotland.
Scottish Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham and Welsh counterpart Lesley Griffiths renewed fears the bill would result in a “power grab” by Westminster, ahead of a meeting in Cardiff.
The UK Government has insisted the legislation will not be altered to set out which powers returning to the UK from Brussels would be devolved to Holyrood, despite SNP ministers warning that the Scottish Parliament is unlikely to grant the bill legislative consent in its current form.
Ms Cunningham highlighted that around 80% of Scottish environmental law originated in the EU.
She said: “My message has been clear and consistent – the Scottish Government will steadfastly adhere to its environmental commitments.”
