A number of constituents have contacted me about plastic pollution.
While the previous administration set ambitious targets to eliminate avoidable plastic waste by the end of the 25 Year Environment Plan, much more urgency is needed. Although there were commitments to make all plastic packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, the reality on the ground suggests that we are far from meeting those goals.
Progress on reducing single-use plastics has been made, such as the significant reduction in the use of single-use carrier bags. However, these measures, including the increase in the charge to 10 pence and the bans on plastic straws, stirrers, and certain cotton buds, feel insufficient compared to the scale of the challenge we face. The bans on a range of single-use plastics, including plates, trays, bowls, and cutlery, are steps in the right direction, but they should have been implemented much sooner.
It is alarming to note that England still consumes around 2.7 billion single-use cutlery items and over 700 million single-use plates each year, with only a mere 10 percent being recycled. The new restrictions are welcomed, but we need a more comprehensive and immediate approach to tackle this issue effectively.
The introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility is a promising development, as it should encourage businesses to rethink their plastic packaging strategies. However, we must ensure that these measures are enforced rigorously and that companies are held accountable for their plastic use.
I am aware of initiatives like the UK Plastics Pact and the voluntary commitments made by its members to reduce plastic waste. However, we need more than voluntary measures; we need a clear, enforceable plan with measurable targets that holds all stakeholders accountable.
While it is good to see supermarkets rolling out soft plastic collection points, such initiatives should be a standard practice across the board, not exceptions. Consumers should not have to take extra steps to ensure their plastic waste is recycled.
Moving forward, I will continue to advocate for more robust policies to address the plastic waste crisis.
