Until 1999, overall Governmental responsibility for
implementing the Habitats Directive and approving the UK SAC list
rested with DoE/DETR. Since 1999, devolution has altered the
political landscape of the UK. In Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland, implementation of the Habitats Directive (including the
selection of SACs) is now a devolved matter for each of the country
administrations (the
Scottish Executive, the
Welsh Assembly Government and the
Northern Ireland
Executive);
Defra (formerly DETR) is responsible for implementation of the
Directive in England. Ultimately, relations with the European Union
and obligations arising out of the Treaties remain the
responsibility of the UK Government.