Dear Constituent,
Thank you for writing to me on this matter.
The Government has taken a range of actions to tackle the problem of plastic pollution, particularly from single-use sources.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State has set out some of the international and domestic approaches the Government is taking:
‘The UK is proud to have supported the proposal by Rwanda and Peru that led to the ambitious resolution to start negotiating a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution being agreed at the United Nations Environment Assembly in March 2022. The UK is a founding member of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, a coalition of like-minded Governments that are committed to a common ambition to end plastic pollution by 2040, underpinned by strategic goals and deliverables.
To do this, we will introduce additional single-use plastic item bans, extended producer responsibility, and deposit return schemes for plastic packaging and improve consistency in recycling. Through the UK’s Blue Planet Fund, we are also working bilaterally with partner countries to strengthen policies and regulations needed to eradicate plastic pollution and mismanaged waste.’ (Plastics: Water, WQ 147347; Rebecca Pow MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Defra; 23 February 2023)
From October 2023, single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks, and certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers may not be sold. This will complement the action already taken on plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds.
Thank you again.
Yours sincerely,
Mel Stride MP
MP for Central Devon
