Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Litter

03 May 2023 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Theresa Villiers Con Chipping Barnet

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Theresa Villiers raised concerns about litter in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • MP Theresa Villiers raised concerns about littering, stating it disfigures public spaces and harms wildlife, with increased litter during the lockdown period.
  • The Environment Act 2021 includes provisions for digital tracking of waste, tackling fly-tipping, and implementing an extended producer responsibility scheme.
  • Minister Trudy Harrison committed to tackling litter through grants for local councils to purchase new litter bins and funding anti-litter campaigns.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Theresa Villiers Con Chipping Barnet

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.

Other contributors (1)
  • Nigel Evans Constitutional Ribble Valley

    Acknowledged the simple solution of not dropping litter.

Government Response

Trudy Harrison

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.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy