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Environmental Protection 2025-01-21
21 January 2025
Lead MP
Mary Creagh
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
DefenceEconomyTaxationEmploymentClimateNorthern Ireland
Other Contributors: 28
At a Glance
Mary Creagh raised concerns about environmental protection 2025-01-21 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
The Minister presented the draft Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers Regulations, highlighting the UK's poor record on recycling plastic bottles since 2017 and emphasising the need to move towards a circular economy. She cited the high return rates in other countries like Germany and Ireland as evidence of the scheme's success elsewhere. The Minister also mentioned that the deposit return scheme is part of broader packaging reforms, which are expected to support over 21,000 new green jobs and stimulate more than £10 billion of investment in recycling capability. She stressed the positive environmental impact, including job creation and carbon savings.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Asked about incinerators being the dirtiest way to generate electricity compared to coal and inquired about the Government's plans for placing a moratorium on new waste burners.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Inquired about discussions with Northern Ireland regarding the implementation of the deposit return scheme, emphasising concerns about currency differences and the need for direct communication between Departments.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
Complimented Mary Creagh's work on environmental issues as Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee. Cited the overwhelming support from a public consultation, with 84% agreeing to implement such a scheme.
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
Welcomed the deposit return scheme and inquired about how this measure fits into broader efforts to combat litter. Mentioned the need for further reforms to tackle rogue waste collectors.
Barry Gardiner
Lab/Co-op
Brent North
Asked about potential manufacturer switches to glass containers due to the scheme, highlighting concerns over resource use and climate change. The Minister responded that there is no evidence of manufacturers switching but producers must be part of the deposit management organisation.
Gareth Snell
Lab/Co-op
Stoke-on-Trent Central
Asked for an undertaking to provide new burden funding to local authorities to cope with enforcement responsibilities arising from the scheme. The Minister agreed to take this matter back and respond before or by the end of the debate.
Andrew Griffith
Con
Arundel and South Downs
Praised the previous Conservative Government's achievements in reducing waste sent to landfill and improving recycling rates, contrasting it with Labour-led local authorities' lower performance. He criticised Labour-run councils for poor recycling records.
Barry Gardiner
Lab/Co-op
Brent North
Responded to Andrew Griffith's comments by pointing out that collection difficulties in dense urban areas are more challenging than in rural communities, questioning the fairness of comparisons between different types of local authority areas.
Carla Denyer
Green
Bristol Central
Provided context regarding Bristol and Hove councils' recycling rates, suggesting that previous Labour administrations may have tied current councillors’ hands in their ability to improve recycling performance.
David Simmonds
Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
The scheme will create significant headwinds for local authorities by removing valuable recyclable materials from household collections. This could increase council tax to subsidize expanding recycling services.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
Commends the Government's quick action and introduction of the Environment Act 2021, but expresses concern that more is needed for circular economy action. Urges the Government to address delays in policy implementation.
Bath
Welcomes the scheme as it supports environmental goals and provides an income stream. However, raises concerns about funding for the Environment Agency, support for small businesses, and the need for a single UK-wide scheme to minimize costs and confusion.
Constituency Name
Confirmed that the person placing a product on the market, regardless of origin, will be responsible for paying EPR fees.
Constituency Name
Expressed concerns about the DRS leading to less recycled glass and potential storage and safety issues. Highlighted that Wales has a high glass collection rate without DRS, questioning its effectiveness across the UK. Criticised high EPR fees on glass packaging as compared to Germany, urging reduction of these fees.
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Welcomed the DRS but expressed concern over its impact on Welsh businesses due to differing regulations across nations. Called for close cooperation between UK Government and Welsh Government to mitigate extra costs.
Deirdre Costigan
Lab
Ealing Southall
Emphasised the positive impact of DRS on reducing litter, citing Ireland's success with reverse vending machines. Highlighted funding cuts by previous Conservative government and praised new Labour Government’s increased funding for local councils.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding Northern Ireland's input into the process, stressing the importance of public cooperation for effective reusing schemes.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Raises concerns over lack of information for MLAs and seeks clarity on differences between Republic of Ireland’s scheme and Northern Ireland's proposed one. Emphasises that the local assembly should have proper input.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Supports the Minister and Government, highlighting challenges faced by volunteers, organisations, and councils in tackling litter. Mentions practical problems such as deeply embedded waste, fly-tipping, and the need for behaviour change.
Carla Denyer
Green
Bristol Central
Welcomes the scheme but is disappointed it does not include glass. Suggests working with Welsh Government to see how glass can be included in a deposit return scheme.
James Naish
Lab
Rushcliffe
Welcomes the long-overdue deposit return scheme, highlighting its benefits such as reducing pollution, protecting wildlife, and creating green jobs. Calls for tighter rules on incinerators to prevent harmful emissions from burning plastic waste.
Richard Foord
Liberal Democrats
Honiton and Sidmouth
Discusses the rise of single-use plastics and their impact on beaches in east Devon, mentioning groups like Sidmouth Plastic Warriors who clean up waste. Highlights the importance of proper recycling to prevent plastic waste from harming marine life.
unspecified
Advocates for a deposit return scheme to reduce litter, noting Germany's success with such schemes. Emphasises the need to include glass bottles in the scheme due to their environmental impact. Mentions local volunteer efforts and supports real action beyond half measures.
Amanda Hack
Lab
North West Leicestershire
Welcomes the Government's commitment to a deposit return scheme, highlighting the work of community litter pickers in her constituency. Cites statistics on plastic bottle and can litter percentages and mentions Germany's high recycling rates as evidence for success. Supports the government's action towards environmental commitments.
Hitchin
Welcomes the regulations, describing them as important and long overdue. Mentions local community groups like Plastic Free Hitchin contributing to litter reduction efforts. Criticises the previous government for delay in implementing similar measures seen internationally.
Chris Vince
Labour/Co-op
Harlow
Supports his colleague's speech, emphasising that the legislation will benefit both the environment and local businesses by ensuring high-quality recycled plastics for industry targets.
Hitchin
Asked about metals recycling issues and battery fires from single-use vapes, expressed concern over the delay in implementing effective recycling solutions.
David Chadwick
DUP
Strangford
Interrupted Mary Creagh to seek clarification on Northern Ireland's scheme interoperability with the Republic of Ireland.
Government Response
Discussed the draft Deposit Scheme, highlighting its aim to reduce litter, improve recycling rates, and support a circular economy. Emphasised the scheme's potential to create new jobs, stimulate investment, and save carbon emissions. Addressed questions from other MPs about discussions with Northern Ireland officials and plans for further reforms. The Minister emphasised the scheme's goals of improving recycling rates and transforming waste into a resource stream. She acknowledged previous Conservative Government achievements but criticised the current government for imposing burdens on business through their Budget. Mary Creagh confirmed that the person placing a product on the market—regardless of origin—will be responsible for paying EPR fees. Madam Deputy Speaker called the Minister to speak but no ministerial response was provided in the given text.
Shadow Response
None
Shadow Response
The shadow Minister highlighted Labour's poor recycling record in local authorities and criticised the government's policies as detrimental to businesses, retail, hospitality sectors, and economic confidence. Not applicable as there were criticisms of the official Opposition's absence and lack of enthusiasm for the debate.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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