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Global Plastics Treaty
20 November 2024
Lead MP
Simon Opher
Stroud
Lab
Responding Minister
Emma Hardy
Tags
ClimateNorthern Ireland
Word Count: 3539
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Simon Opher raised concerns about global plastics treaty in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should demonstrate international leadership by committing to doing everything possible to bring the Global Plastics Treaty over the line and set ambitious targets for reducing plastic production, including legally binding cuts.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Plastic pollution is putting Earth's systems under stress, from Mount Everest to the ocean floor. Microplastics are accumulating in human bodies and exposing us to over 16,000 harmful chemicals daily. Plastic production exacerbates climate change and biodiversity loss and is set to triple by 2050 if unchecked. Recycling rates are low due to an oversupply of cheap virgin plastics, leading to the closure of recycling sites like one in Avonmouth near Bristol. Over half a million people have signed a petition for a strong global plastics treaty.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Member noted that support is needed to reach treaty targets, not just for developing nations but also at home with local councils receiving additional funding to make meaningful differences in plastic production and use.
Karl Turner
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
The Member for Kingston upon Hull East praised The Deep's educational work with children on plastic pollution and cited research from the University of Hull indicating 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the sea, accounting for 80% of ocean debris.
Sarah Dyke
Lib Dem
Glastonbury and Somerton
The hon. Member agreed with the need for a new Government to raise their ambition levels in delivering a global plastics treaty that meaningfully cuts plastic production, citing her constituent Catherine Conway's work in developing zero-waste solutions such as GoUnpackaged and the Refill Coalition. The Member for Glastonbury and Somerton mentioned Carymoor Environmental Trust's efforts in educating children about the environmental impact of plastics and called on the Minister to support a global treaty that reduces plastic production.
Uma Kumaran
Lab
Stratford and Bow
The Member for Stratford and Bow highlighted constituents' concerns about plastic waste harming rivers, oceans, and human health. She cited UN statistics on the prevalence of single-use plastics and emphasised the need for ambitious action both domestically and internationally to address plastic pollution.
Government Response
Emma Hardy
Government Response
Expressed gratitude for the debate on the global plastics treaty, highlighting the importance of an ambitious treaty to end plastic pollution by 2040. Mentioned ongoing negotiations towards a final agreement in Busan this year, emphasising the need for action across the entire life cycle of plastics, including production and consumption. Stressed the importance of mobilising support for countries most in need and the role of waste pickers, especially women, in recycling plastic waste. Noted that global plastic production is projected to double by 2050, reaching 800 million metric tonnes annually. Announced plans to lay regulations on a deposit return scheme for drinks containers in England and Northern Ireland before Christmas 2024, with the planned launch date of the scheme set for October 2027.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.