Environmental Protection

Acknowledges the need for regulations but expresses concern about businesses being penalised for supplying single-use plastics during a crisis. Supports the temporary delay in implementation.

Questions whether the SI addresses the need for investment in research and development of biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastic products.

Supports his friend's initiative, commends companies working on chemical recycling solutions, and stresses the importance of transitioning towards a circular economy focused on reducing waste.

Highlights that both plastic waste and improper disposal by people are issues. Suggests an education process to improve public understanding and proper recycling habits.

The Opposition will not oppose the regulation today but expresses disappointment at missed opportunities. The regulation only deals with plastics and does not address the single-use economy problem adequately. With 350 million tonnes of plastic produced annually now compared to 1.7 million tonnes in 1950, it is important to legislate more comprehensively rather than piecemeal. Lloyd highlights the impact on marine life from flushed plastic-stemmed cotton buds and calls for interim targets in the Government's 25-year environment plan.

Supports the regulation but emphasises that it is only a step forward. The coastal city of Hove and Portslade faces significant issues with plastic waste washing up on beaches, underscoring the need for further action.

Emphasises the need to address the single-use economy and criticises the regulation's limited scope. The public has shifted towards supporting actions against plastics due to environmental documentaries and organisations' efforts. Lloyd asks for a more holistic approach including a move away from unnecessary consumption, better recycling methods, and an obligation on producers to create sustainable products. He calls for a right-to-repair framework and highlights the need for specific guidelines and resources for local authorities to enforce regulations effectively.

Questions Lloyd Russell-Moyle about potential cooperation with supermarkets regarding returnable plastic bottles, suggesting it as a way forward.

Acknowledges the support from producers for returnable plastic bottle schemes. Calls for changes in production patterns and stresses that simply banning plastics is insufficient without addressing sustainable consumption and production. Asks specific questions about enforcement guidelines, resources for local authorities, annual reporting on compliance visits, and a plan for extended producer responsibility.

Speaks in support of the regulations as chairman of the all-party group on ocean conservation. Acknowledges that more needs to be done but welcomes this step forward against plastic waste. Mentions previous achievements like the bag charge and microbead ban, and thanks organisations for their campaigning efforts. Highlights the impact of plastic waste on beaches and oceans, citing a prediction of 2050 where there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans. Supports sensible exceptions allowing necessary use of plastics in medical settings but calls for further bans on sky lanterns and balloon releases.

Supports the introduction of the measures. He congratulates the Minister for bringing forward these regulations and emphasises the need to address plastic waste globally, not just domestically. He also supports a deposit return scheme and highlights the setback caused by the pandemic on reducing disposable plastics.

Supports the SI but calls for broader measures such as extended producer responsibility and a deposit return scheme to tackle plastic pollution effectively. She emphasises the need for international cooperation to address this issue and acknowledges the negative environmental impact of plastic waste.

Welcomes the shadow Minister and addresses concerns raised by him, stating that he is unaware of the extensive work being done on plastic reduction. She lists several initiatives already in place and under development, including bans on microbeads and single-use carrier bags, the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance, and plans for a deposit return scheme.

Calls for progress on the Environment Bill and mentions that they do not yet have a date set for Committee sitting.

The regulations aim to reduce reliance on single-use plastics by enforcing local authorities to inspect businesses, issue compliance and stop notices, and impose fines for non-compliance. Local authorities will also be required to publish guidance. The Environment Bill sets a process for setting, checking, and rechecking targets with milestones in the resources and waste strategy targeting recyclable packaging by 2025. Extending carrier bag charges to all retailers is under consideration, and a response will follow shortly. Cornwall's ocean conservation efforts are acknowledged, and sky lanterns have been regulated due to safety concerns. The regulations aim to leave the environment better for future generations.

Called for a three-minute suspension of the sitting to allow for safe exit and entry of hon. Members.