Chamber and committees

I come to Paul Sheerin. What do you want to keep?

You have said that the issue is big and difficult and that you will investigate things on a case-by-case basis. However, bearing in mind that you have a key responsibility in that regard, which is enshrined in law, and that this committee has a responsibility to scrutinise what you are doing, I would like to press you a little bit more. How are you going to approach the issue? How many members of staff are involved in the work? What international connections have you made? I recognise that you have a board member with a connection to European institutions, but you really need institution-to-institution connections. All of that is key to your role.

Thank you. I am more reassured by that second set of answers.

Yes, indeed. I think that that was a very helpful insight into the perspectives of both the committee and Environmental Standards Scotland. Thank you.

Good morning. My first question is for John Kerr from NatureScot. I want to focus on the new system involving environmental outcomes reports. You have already indicated that there is not much detail about that in part 5 of the bill. What would be the positives and the negatives of that system? How might it affect your role in the process?

After John Kerr answers, I will ask Jo Green the same question.

I put the same question to Jo Green.

I point out that I am a nature champion for Scotland’s extraordinary blanket bogs.

How might a cut to NatureScot’s capital budget impact its ability to achieve targets for peatland restoration and other areas of work? Peatland restoration is key to us meeting our climate change and biodiversity crisis targets.

How might SEPA’s role in the process be affected? You are guardians of the environment for Scotland. Do you think that you would have enough control in the new system? What consultation has the UK Government undertaken with you to discuss the plans to implement the new, outcomes-based system in Scotland?

How might the new arrangements affect NatureScot’s role? What consultation has the UK Government had with NatureScot to discuss the new, outcomes-based system as it would apply to Scotland?

Will that ring fencing of peatland restoration protect that important fund?