Proposal to include right to a healthy environment welcome

In response to our recent letter to the First Minister of Scotland, we welcome confirmation from the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition that a proposal to include the right to a healthy environment will be included in the consultation on the Human Rights Bill soon to be launched in Scotland.

In her letter, the Cabinet Secretary also highlighted the government’s commitment to tackling the combined threat of climate change and nature loss and said they were reflecting on the system-wide nature of the problem to deliver a whole of government approach to achieve net zero and environmental goals while also contributing to people’s wellbeing and prosperity. A sustainable health and care service will be central to achieving this and must be part of that system-wide approach.