Just one-fifth of UK businesses believe environmental regulations are too strong

3rd March 2023


Most UK businesses strongly support environmental regulation, with just one-fifth believing that the current rules are excessive, a new survey has found.

The YouGov poll of 1,000 firms, which was carried out on behalf of Unchecked UK, found that 38% believe that the government regulates environmental practices “too little”, while 34% think it is the “right amount”.

Just 18% of respondents said that excessive government regulation is the most important domestic issue facing them, with the rise in energy costs and inflation the most concerning on 70% and 65%, respectively.

Creating a level playing field, ensuring public trust in products, certainty for business, boosting trade and protecting the environment were the top five advantages of regulation cited. Only 5% said there are no advantages.

“Poll after poll show that the UK public supports strong protections and robust enforcement," Unchecked UK said in a statement.

"Regulations are seen by most people as essential in the pursuit of high food standards, environmental and animal welfare goals, and as a guarantee of their rights and safety at work.”

The survey also gathered views on deregulation via the Retained EU Law Bill, finding that most businesses believe it will cause uncertainty, restrict trade, and fail to deliver economic growth or business benefits.

Indeed, 68% of respondents said that the plans will cause more uncertainty for businesses, while 64% don’t think they will boost economic growth, compared to 27% that do.

Nearly two thirds of firms think that the plans will restrict access to trade markets, and over half do not believe they will simplify regulation for the benefit of businesses.

The Unchecked UK statement added: “We find little appetite for deregulation, with most British people unpersuaded that this is the right way to secure wider economic goals."

Image credit: Shutterstock


Transform articles

Interview: VIN + OMI provide the shock factor

Trailblazing eco-designers and ‘ideologists’ VIN + OMI speak to Adam Batchelor and Chris Seekings about their work promoting sustainability across the fashion industry and beyond

1st June 2023

Read more

Jayati Ghosh, professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, talks to Chris Seekings about how inequality is destroying the planet, and what we can do about it.

1st June 2023

Read more

Improvements in satellite monitoring are changing how we measure air quality, widening its potential to include regulation. Rick Gould investigates

1st June 2023

Read more

We need to embrace the spirit of the pioneers of the water sector and planning to enable new models that challenge the status quo, says Sandra Norval

1st June 2023

Read more

The global clothing industry is not only unfair but increasingly unsustainable. Huw Morris reports

1st June 2023

Read more

Extinction Rebellion has promised to step up protests and civil disobedience after a list of its demands for the UK government fell on deaf ears in April. Will this help or hinder the cause, asks Chris Seekings

1st June 2023

Read more

The onus on business to report on nature is accelerating, with multiple frameworks and standards taking shape. Catherine Early explains

1st June 2023

Read more

IEMA and Deloitte partnered in 2022 to deliver an important piece of work that has become the foundation of our activities on green skills. Lisa Pool reports

1st June 2023

Read more

Media enquires

Looking for an expert to speak at an event or comment on an item in the news?

Find an expert