Clientearth, Regina (on The Application of) v The Secretary of State for The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: SC 1 May 2013

The court gave its reasons for referring to the ECJ, the question asked of it, as to the failure of the respondent to ensure compliance with the EU Directive on Nitrogen dioxide control, and the consequential orders. However, a declaration was granted: ‘The court is satisfied that it should grant the declaration sought, the relevant breach of article 13 having been clearly established. The fact that the breach has been conceded is not, in the court’s view, a sufficient reason for declining to grant a declaration, where there are no other discretionary bars to the grant of relief. Such an order is appropriate both as a formal statement of the legal position, and also to make clear that, regardless of arguments about the effect of articles 22 and 23, the way is open to immediate enforcement action at national or European level. ‘
Lord Hope, Deputy President, Lord Mance, Lord Clarke, Lord Sumption, Lord Carnwath
[2013] UKSC 25
Bailii, Bailii Summary
Directive 2008/50/EC
England and Wales
Citing:
At First instanceClientearth, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Admn 13-Dec-2011
The claimant sought declaratory and mandatory orders in respect of the Government’s failure to comply with emission limits set by Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and Council of 21 May 2008. Article 13 of that Directive required . .
Appeal fromClientearth, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs CA 30-May-2012
The claimant appealed against refusal of its request for declaratory relief, the respondent having admitted failing to implement the Directive on the control of nitrogen dioxide.
Held: The appeal failed. The judge had been correct that the . .

Cited by:
See AlsoClientearth, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs SC 29-Apr-2015
The applicant had challenged the failure by the governement to secure appropriate air quality standards. The question had earlier been referred to the ECJ, and the Court now considered the appropriate orders following the ECJ judgment.
Held: . .
Reference fromClientearth v The Secretary of State For The Environment, Food And Rural Affairs ECJ 28-Nov-2013
Expedited procedure . .
Reference fromClientearth v The Secretary of State For The Environment, Food And Rural Affairs ECJ 19-Nov-2014
ECJ Reference for a preliminary ruling – Environment – Air quality – Directive 2008/50/EC – Limit values for nitrogen dioxide – Obligation to apply for postponement of the deadline by submitting an air quality . .

These lists may be incomplete.
Updated: 19 June 2021; Ref: scu.503499