Recommendation 34

Several recommendations, in particular the recommendation that there be a thorough review of the section 40 offence, exist independently of whether this Bill proceeds. While the Committee recognises that a parliament or government cannot bind its successor, the Committee hopes that these recommendations are commenced as soon as possible and taken forward into the next session with a view to possible legislation to create a robust penalty for serious environmental crime at the apex of Scotland’s environmental regulation. In this context, the Committee also note the current government’s commitment to keep pace with EU law which may require amendment to existing laws in this area.