2 Not Addressed

The Government’s PFAS Plan disproportionately focuses on expanding PFAS monitoring rather than preventing or remediating...

Conclusion
The Government’s PFAS Plan disproportionately focuses on expanding PFAS monitoring rather than preventing or remediating contamination. Applying the Government’s own environmental principles demands decisive action now to limit further release and exposure. (Conclusion, Paragraph 23)
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses its commitment to cooperating with the EU on shared environmental objectives and chemicals management, but it does not address the Committee's concern about the UK's PFAS Plan disproportionately focusing on monitoring rather than prevention or remediation.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government Not Addressed
We recognise that our supply chains, ecosystems and markets are deeply interconnected with those of the EU, and many of the challenges we face, including on issues such as PFAS are better tackled together. We are committed to cooperating with the EU on our shared environmental objectives, recognising those common and cross-border challenges we both face. We already have mechanisms in place to support this collaboration on chemicals, through the structures of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement including the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Specialised Committee as well as Article 395 under the Level Playing Field Trade Specialised Committee. Through these forums, the UK remains committed to technical cooperation and information sharing on environmental issues such as PFAS; learning lessons from our respective approaches, helping to reduce unnecessary friction and maintaining our mutual high environmental ambition in a way that works for citizens and businesses alike. Already this year we have had constructive conversations with the EU on chemicals at the annual Article 395 meeting which took place in February and are exploring further opportunities this year for technical exchanges on specific areas, including PFAS. We also welcome the engagement industry, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are having with the EU and their constructive and supportive role in promoting cooperation between the EU and UK. In particular, we have been working with chemicals trade bodies, including the Cosmetics, Toiletries and Perfumeries Association (CTPA), to highlight the importance and benefits of closer EU-UK cooperation on chemicals.