Principles of Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill passed at Stage 1

At the Stage 1 debate on the 30th of October 2025, Parties used their speeches to welcome the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill and parliament has voted to support it in principle. Amendments will now be proposed and voted on at Stages 2 and 3.

Despite broad support, several MSPs highlighted stakeholder concerns about Part 2—the section of the Bill with which CIEEM has major reservations. Rhoda Grant MSP (Scottish Labour), a member of the scrutinising committee, specifically referenced CIEEM’s position and suggested that amendments could be introduced to remove Part 2 if these concerns are not resolved.

Debate on Part 2 was somewhat subdued, likely due to the publication of the Cabinet Secretary’s response to the Stage 1 report in the days preceding the debate. The response acknowledged the issues raised, accepted the need for amendments, and even conceded that Regulation 9D of the Habitats Regulations may already provide some of the flexibility sought by Part 2. MSPs nonetheless made clear their expectation of substantial amendments at Stage 2.

Additional topics discussed included invasive non-native species, particularly the release of game birds and the spread of Sitka spruce, as well as dissatisfaction with the Bill’s limited provisions for the marine environment.

CIEEM will continue working with Scottish Environment Link to promote the amendments needed to make Part 2 of the Bill fit for purpose, while monitoring forthcoming government proposals closely.