The UK Nature’s Rights Bill would establish a statutory duty of care to ournatural world, recognising nature as a legal subject
Green and Independent councillors have slammed Labour for “significantly
weakening” a motion that would have committed Brighton & Hove City Council to
recognising nature as a legal subject with inherent rights.
At full council last week, Green and Independent councillors jointly brought a notice
of motion, calling on the council to formally endorse the UK Nature’s Rights Bill, sign
a pledge supporting its principles, write to government urging the Bill to be tabled in
Parliament, and work with communities on a Rights of the Coastline charter for our
city.
However, a Labour amendment removed these commitments. The amended motion
limits the council to merely “noting” the principles of the movement and the Nature’s
Rights Bill, referencing existing government environmental policies and current
council activity.
Labour’s amendment means the final motion contrasts with developments elsewhere
in Sussex. Lewes District Council is working with local communities on a Charter of
Rights for the River Ouse, exploring how legal recognition of the river’s fundamental
rights can improve its protection within governance frameworks.
Green councillor Kerry Pickett, who proposed the motion, said the amendment
fundamentally changed its purpose:
“This motion was about recognising that existing environmental law is failing and that
we need a new legal framework that gives nature rights. Labour removed every
concrete step that would have supported that shift.
“Lewes is already demonstrating how a rights-based approach can be explored
locally and collaboratively. Brighton & Hove had the opportunity to do the same for
our downland, green spaces and coastline and Labour chose not to.”
Independent councillor Mark Earthy who seconded the motion said:
“The Nature’s Right’s Bill is consistent with our city’s groundbreaking natural
environment and sustainability strategy and can be seen as a logical extension of it.
Endorsement by a city of our size would make people sit up and take notice.”
NOTES
The UK Nature’s Rights Bill follows the “Integrated Rights Framework”, which
recognises nature as a rights-bearing legal subject and places human and economic
activity within ecological limits. This approach represents a structural response to
environmental collapse, rather than further reliance on regulatory targets that have
repeatedly failed to stop biodiversity loss.
Labour’s amendment referenced the government’s Environmental Improvement Plan
and conservation work. While Greens welcome these policies, they do not address
the underlying legal model that treats nature as property rather than giving it
enforceable rights