Lib Dems in Parliament produce Bill to properly tackle plastics crisis

On 25 February 2019, Alistair Carmichael, the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for the Environment, presented his Plastic Pollution Bill to Parliament.

The Bill will set targets to help fix our plastics crisis and require the Secretary of State to publish a strategy for the reduction of plastic pollution.

The Bill has been backed by a cross-party group of MPs as well as Friends of the Earth and the Women's Institute.

Ahead of presenting his Bill, Mr Carmichael said:

"Plastic pollution is the scourge of our oceans. The Government must start taking action to reduce our plastic to change our throwaway culture. The answer will need international cooperation but the UK can give a lead for other countries to follow.

"The Government's approach has been about grabbing headlines on easy parts of the agenda - banning cotton buds and plastic straws. That approach falls far short of the proper plan we need for banning single-use plastic.

"To make a true difference in our oceans, we must do more than the Government's current piecemeal approach. My Bill will allow the UK to lead the way in challenging consumer behaviour. We need to eliminate plastic pollution from our seas by aiming to end the use all non-essential single-use plastics within six years."

The text of the Bill is as follows:

Plastic Pollution Bill 2017 - 2019

A bill to set targets for the reduction of plastic pollution; to require the Secretary of State to publish a strategy and annual reports on plastic pollution reduction; to establish an advisory committee on plastic pollution; and for connected purposes.