https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/ecocide-could-be-criminalised-scotland-new-proposals-says
Protesters dressed as forensic investigators outside Barclays bank in Broadmead, Bristol, to protest against the bank’s financing of climate devastation, September 5, 2020Ecocide could become a criminal offence in Scotland under new proposals launched today at Holyrood.
The Ecocide (Scotland) Bill would make it a criminal offence to cause widespread, long-term or irreversible environmental damage, with culprits facing up to 20 years in jail or unlimited company fines.
MSPs are expected to begin scrutinising the legislation before the summer recess, with a vote on it expected later this year.
The Bill was launched by Labour MSP Monica Lennon, who said it would deter people and firms from harming Scotland’s natural environment.
“Ecocide is a crime against the common good and those who commit widespread or irreversible harm should be held to account,” she said.
“This is a vital opportunity for Scotland to become the first UK nation to criminalise ecocide and signal that the destruction of nature won’t be tolerated here.”
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