The Ecocide (Scotland) Bill will not progress further during the current parliamentary session following a decision on the Stage 2 process. While the Bill is not moving forward at this time, the work to raise awareness of ecocide and strengthen protections for nature continues.
Scotland Took a Historic Step Toward Criminalising Ecocide
The Ecocide (Scotland) Bill made history. In February 2026, the Scottish Parliament voted 90–26 to back the general principles of the Bill at Stage 1, an unprecedented show of cross-party support to make severe environmental destruction a criminal offence. The proposed law would introduce penalties of up to 20 years in prison and unlimited fines for individuals and corporations responsible for the most serious environmental harm. This marked the first time a UK Parliament voted to advance standalone ecocide legislation.
Committee Decision Halts Progress - For Now
Despite overwhelming parliamentary backing and active engagement from the Scottish Government, the Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee has voted to block the Bill from progressing further in this session. This decision comes just weeks before the May 2026 Scottish Parliament election. While disappointing, the work done is not lost. The Bill has already passed Stage 1 scrutiny, secured cross-party backing, and undergone detailed legal and financial development. It is ready to return in the next session of Parliament.
A Growing Movement - In Scotland and Globally
Support for ecocide law continues to grow worldwide. The European Union has strengthened its Environmental Crime Directive to include offences comparable to ecocide. Countries including Belgium, France and Ukraine have taken significant steps toward recognising severe environmental destruction in law. Scotland now faces a choice: lead or fall behind. Environmental leaders, legal experts, youth activists and campaigners, including renowned endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh, have backed this effort to ensure Scotland does not become a haven for corporate polluters or organised environmental crime.
The Next Step
This campaign is bigger than one parliamentary session. The foundation has been built:
• 90 MSPs voted in favour
• 95% public consultation support
• Scottish Government engagement secured
• Legal and financial frameworks prepared
The Ecocide (Scotland) Bill can be reintroduced.
The movement continues.
BBC Radio 4 on Ecocide (Scotland) Bill's Publishment
STOP ECOCIDE EVERYWHERE
