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Wet Wipes: Plastic Ban
29 October 2025
Lead MP
Fleur Anderson
Putney
Lab
Responding Minister
Emma Hardy
Tags
Economy
Word Count: 3931
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Fleur Anderson raised concerns about wet wipes: plastic ban in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Asks for the lead-in time to be cut from 18 months to 12 months to align England and Scotland with Wales; mandatory 'Do not flush' labels on all wipes; consideration of making manufacturers contribute to costs through an extended product responsibility scheme.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Microplastics from wet wipes pollute rivers, lakes and oceans; cause internal injuries and leach harmful chemicals. In Thames Water area alone, £40.7 million is spent annually on clearing blockages caused by wet wipes. There are also issues with sewer blockages in Beckenham and Penge.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
Highlights children's interest in environmental issues, mentions items that should not be flushed down toilets like wet wipes, sanitary products, and more. Discusses innovative solutions such as Northumbrian Water’s Pipebot patrol for detecting blockages and the use of fatbergs as biofuel.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Acknowledges the issue is a UK-wide problem and emphasizes the need for joint partnership between individuals, households and regional Administrations to address non-biodegradable waste in local sewers.
Liam Conlon
Lab
Beckenham and Penge
Highlights 167 call-outs related to wet-wipe blockages in Beckenham and Penge, supporting the need for measures that reduce unnecessary sewage system calls-out. Supported the lead MP's point about community engagement in education campaigns. Mentioned Richard Barnes from London Wildlife Trust as a constituent who does great work in this area. Thanks the local groups in Beckenham and Penge for their work to protect the natural environment.
Bayo Alaba
Lab
Southend East and Rochford
Emphasised the importance of banning wet wipes containing plastic fibres to protect coastal communities, reduce marine litter, decrease pollution, and support a zero waste economy. Called for stricter regulations on labelling practices.
Government Response
Emma Hardy
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Government Response
Praised Fleur Anderson's campaign to ban wet wipes containing plastic fibres, highlighting her work with major retailers and environmental groups. Announced the laying of an affirmative statutory instrument on September 16th to ban the supply and sale of harmful products, alongside a full economic impact assessment. Scheduled debates in Parliament for November 3rd (Commons) and November 10th (Lords). Announces a ban on wet wipes containing plastic from spring 2027 with an 18-month transition period. Confirms a medical exemption allowing registered pharmacists to supply wet wipes containing plastic for infection control purposes until viable alternatives are available. Considers further action on labelling and extended producer responsibility based on the Independent Water Commission's recommendations.
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Assessment & feedback
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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.