ECOCIDE 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.”

Stop Ecocide International chief Jojo Mehta said: “This Scottish Bill is a striking example of how national action can drive global change.

“Around the world, ecocide law is gaining ground as a vital tool, not just to punish environmental destruction but to prevent it.”

He said such national laws played a “crucial role” in legitimising the goal and building momentum towards having ecocide recognised worldwide as a serious crime.

“From the new Council of Europe convention, which enables states to prosecute acts ‘tantamount to ecocide,’ to the formal proposal by Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa to make ecocide a core international crime, momentum is accelerating,” Mr Mehta added.

“Scotland’s move adds meaningful weight to this shift, reinforcing the growing global consensus that mass destruction of nature must be treated as a crime, in law and in principle.”