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Litter
03 May 2023
Lead MP
Theresa Villiers
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Environment
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Theresa Villiers raised concerns about litter in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
MP Theresa Villiers raised concerns about littering, which disfigures public spaces and harms wildlife. She highlighted statistics showing the impact on animals and marine life, increased litter during lockdown, and the need for action to reduce it. Villiers discussed the Environment Act 2021's provisions for digital tracking of waste, tackling fly-tipping, extended producer responsibility (EPR), deposit return scheme for drinks containers, enforcing laws through fines, using cameras to catch litterbugs, banning disposable barbecues, and encouraging responsible disposal behaviour.
Nigel Evans
Constitutional
Ribble Valley
Acknowledged the simple solution of not dropping litter.
Government Response
Minister Trudy Harrison committed to tackling littering through multiple fronts, including supporting local councils and schools. She mentioned grants for purchasing new litter bins, raising fines for littering and fly-tipping, introducing immediate justice measures, and funding anti-litter campaigns. The Minister also discussed the extended producer responsibility scheme, deposit return system for drinks containers, and banning single-use plastic items. Harrison highlighted that the Environment Act 2021 will help prevent litter at source and encouraged people to dispose of their litter responsibly.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.