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Environmental Protection
15 June 2020
Lead MP
Rebecca Pow
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
ClimateForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 16
At a Glance
Rebecca Pow raised concerns about environmental protection 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 draft regulations are being introduced to reduce the use of single-use plastics, which cause significant environmental issues. The initial plans were delayed due to the covid-19 pandemic but aim to drastically cut the supply and usage of plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds in England. Exemptions will be provided for medical needs and scientific purposes.
Mark Pawsey
Con
Banbury
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.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Questions whether the SI addresses the need for investment in research and development of biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastic products.
Jacob Young
Con
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
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.
Mark Pawsey
Con
Banbury
Highlights that both plastic waste and improper disposal by people are issues. Suggests an education process to improve public understanding and proper recycling habits.
Brighton, Kemptown
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.
Peter Kyle
Lab
Hove and Portslade
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.
Brighton, Kemptown
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.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Questions Lloyd Russell-Moyle about potential cooperation with supermarkets regarding returnable plastic bottles, suggesting it as a way forward.
Brighton, Kemptown
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.
Steve Double
Con
St Austell and Newquay
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.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
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.
Rebecca Pow
Con
Yeovil
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.
Rosie Winterton
Lab
Rother Valley
Called for a three-minute suspension of the sitting to allow for safe exit and entry of hon. Members.
Government Response
Welcomes the shadow Minister, addresses concerns raised about the extent of work being done to reduce plastic use and lists several initiatives such as the microbeads ban, reduction in single-use carrier bag usage, Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance, and plans for a deposit return scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
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