← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Plastic Pollution in the Ocean
18 May 2023
Lead MP
Selaine Saxby
Responding Minister
Rebecca Pow
Tags
ClimateBusiness & Trade
Word Count: 11758
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Selaine Saxby raised concerns about plastic pollution in the ocean in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The speaker asks the Minister to set a target for the reuse of packaging alongside recycling efforts, aiming to incentivise businesses to invest in reuse schemes that could reduce plastic pollution by 30% by 2040. She calls on the Government to provide long-term funding and support to innovative projects like the Ocean Cleanup.
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 speaker is concerned about the global plastic pollution crisis, noting that nearly 460 megatonnes of plastic were produced in 2019, expected to reach 1,231 megatonnes by 2060. She highlights the impact on marine species and ecosystems, mentioning trillions of pieces of plastic floating in our oceans and forming large patches like the great Pacific garbage patch. The UK's overseas territories, such as Henderson island, are also affected despite being uninhabited.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
The hon. Member highlighted the serious issue of plastic pollution in oceans, citing statistics such as 12 million tonnes of plastic entering the oceans annually and the impact on marine life. She called for government action to ban plastic in wet wipes and criticised the current lack of progress despite cross-party agreement.
Gareth Thomas
Lab Co-op
Harrow West
The hon. Member is grateful to the lead member for initiating the debate and mentions that according to the World Wildlife Fund, approximately 8 million tonnes of plastic are dumped into the ocean annually. He advocates for toughening product standards to increase recyclable plastics and providing consumers with information on recyclability.
Jo Gideon
Lab
Stretford and Urmston
Jo Gideon highlighted the staggering scale of plastic pollution, noting that over 350 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually. She stressed the urgency to address the issue as only 9% of plastics have been recycled adequately. Gideon also mentioned the detrimental effects on marine life and human health, including ingestion of chemicals like BPA from packaging, which can lead to ingesting up to 5 grams of plastic per week. She called for consistent recycling rules and a shift towards reduction and reuse.
John McNally
SNP
Fife North East
Plastic's durability has led to devastating environmental impacts, including nurdle pollution and the creation of ocean 'deserts'. Plastic production was nearly 460 megatonnes in 2019 and is expected to grow by 267% by 2060. The plastic waste emitted annually to the hydrosphere is predicted to increase from 6.1 megatonnes to 11.6 megatonnes. Plastic harms marine ecosystems, impacts human health through microplastics in food systems, affects economies and potentially reduces oceans' ability to store carbon. John McNally praised initiatives like The Ocean Cleanup for their work on scientific research and clean-up projects.
Margaret Ferrier
SNP
Rutherglen and Hamilton West
The hon. Member congratulates the lead member on securing the debate, discussing microplastics' threat to marine ecosystems, especially from fishing net pollution affecting sharks, seabirds, and seals. She also notes the issue of tiny microfibres entering the sea due to washing clothes and mentions a company using 3D printing technology to create filters for washing machines. Traces of microplastics have even been found in the placentas of pregnant women and in human blood. The risks of microplastics for human health cannot be ignored any longer. We must end the plastic pollution of our water for our own health, as well as for the environment. Called for the UK to support a UN global plastic treaty that offers workers in the plastics supply chain opportunities for sustainable job transitions, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and recognizing indigenous people's interests. Inquired about the opportunity for driving environmental change through trade with Malaysia after its accession to a comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-pacific partnership bloc.
Patricia Gibson
SNP
North Ayrshire and Arran
According to Recycle Track Systems, there is an estimated 75 to 199 million tons of plastic waste in the oceans with a further 33 billion pounds entering annually. Fishing equipment accounts for 20% of marine plastic waste which will coat the entire planet in just 65 years if current rates continue. Plastic pollution harms animal health and impacts ecosystems, particularly in developing countries.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Discussed local initiatives like Plastic Free Seaton, the impact of cigarette butts as a major source of plastic pollution, and called for an end to non-essential single-use plastics by 2025. Mentioned the need for an independent advisory committee on plastics pollution and an end to plastic exports. Asked if the Government's actions include addressing cigarette butts, which contribute to ocean pollution. He inquired about specific measures taken by the government to reduce this type of waste.
Government Response
Rebecca Pow
Government Response
Thanked Selaine Saxby for bringing the matter before the House and praised her work on water and coastal issues. Acknowledged the need to tackle plastic pollution urgently, citing a projection that annual plastic flow into oceans will triple by 2040 from 2016 levels. Discussed domestic initiatives such as the environmental improvement plan targeting zero avoidable plastic waste by 2042, extended producer responsibility scheme, and deposit return system due in October 2025. Mentioned international efforts through OSPAR and commitment to a new international legally binding plastic pollution treaty. Highlighted progress on reducing single-use carrier bags by over 97%, banning straws, stirrers, and cotton buds ahead of EU, and upcoming bans on single-use plastics from October. Discussed work on fishing gear, cigarette butt littering with £30 million voluntary industry funding, and regional sea conventions like OSPAR for monitoring marine litter. Emphasised the UK's role in international treaties and partnerships, including the High Ambition Coalition to end plastic pollution, G7 commitment to reduce additional plastic pollution to zero by 2040, blue planet fund for marine environment protection, and PROBLUE World Bank trust supporting sustainable development of marine resources. Noted evaluation of effectiveness of policies and consultations on banning exports of plastic waste to non-OECD countries.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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.