EU will seek 'non-regression' clause to tie UK to environmental standards

Michel Barnier says any trade deal will not rely on the UK's pledges, but should include a clause to uphold the bloc's high standards

The EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, has warned that Brussels will not rely on Michael Gove's pledges over the environment but instead insist on a "non-regression" clause in any future deal after Brexit to tie the UK to the bloc's high standards.

Barnier said he welcomed a 25-year plan published in January by the environment secretary, a fervent Brexiter during the referendum campaign, under which the UK vowed to be a "global champion" of greener policies after 29 March 2019.