Environmental information regulation

Access to information is a critical component of a modern democracy. Ensuring that individuals, communities, businesses and other organisations have the opportunity to request and receive public documents is essential for effective participation in public life and it helps to make government and governance more efficient, open and transparent. The right to receive and impart information subject to appropriate exceptions is found in the Article 10 right under the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms 1950: Freedom of Expression.

The right of access to environmental information is a key international norm found for instance, in Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development 1992 which provides that:

‘Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned citizens, at the relevant level. At the national level, each individual shall have appropriate access to information concerning the environment that is held by public authorities, including information on hazardous materials and activities in their communities, and the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes. States shall facilitate and encourage public awareness and participation by making information widely available. Effective access to judicial and administrative proceedings, including

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Latest Public Law News

Bill introduced to lower voting age and update UK electoral law

The government has introduced the Representation of the People Bill, which contains a range of provisions to update UK electoral law and modernise the UK electoral system. Key updates include measures to: lower the voting age to 16, improve voter registration processes, address inconsistencies in voter ID requirements, expand and strengthen existing rules on political donations and campaign finance, tackle harassment and intimidation of electoral candidates and extend the role and powers of the Electoral Commission (EC).

Public Law weekly highlights—12 February 2026

This week's edition of Public Law weekly highlights includes a hand-picked summary of news analysis, legal updates and case law from the world of Public Law. These highlights include the latest updates on Brexit, constitutional and administrative law, equality and human rights, judicial review, public procurement, subsidy control and state aid, public sector contracts and other public law news. This edition features parliamentary scrutiny of the constitutional and devolution implications of closer UK-EU regulatory co-operation, the government’s response on strengthening Northern Ireland’s role under the Windsor Framework, the latest updates for contracting authorities under the Procurement Act 2023, and senior judicial analysis of the human rights implications of AI in the justice system, plus the latest case updates and analysis.

Government responds to Scottish Affairs Committee report on Scotland Act 1998 Order linked to assisted dying Bill

The House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee has published the UK Government’s response to its Sixth Report of Session 2024–26 on the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Modification of Schedule 5) Order 2026. The Order would temporarily extend the Scottish Parliament’s legislative competence, enabling it to legislate on the approval and regulation of substances and medical devices used in an assisted dying regime. In its response, the government reiterates its neutrality on assisted dying and describes the Order as a ‘narrow, technical and limited’ measure agreed with the Scottish Government, intended to protect the devolution settlement while preserving the integrity and consistency of the UK‑wide medicines regime. The government declined to publish draft section 104 orders ahead of Stage 3, stating that these depend on the final form of the Bill. It also clarified that any regulation making powers enabled under the temporary competence could not be amended or repealed by a future Scottish Parliament once the time limit expires, though Scottish Ministers would retain the ability to update regulations with the Secretary of State’s agreement if such powers are included in the Bill. The government also confirms that the Order will be debated in a Delegated Legislation Committee.

Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee 51st Report of Session 2024–26: 2 SIs drawn to the special attention of the House; none recommended for upgrade

The Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee (SLSC) has reported two draft statutory instruments, both drawn to the special attention of the House on the ground that they are politically or legally important or give rise to issues of public policy likely to be of interest to the House.