On Thursday (17 July), the House considered the Global Plastics Treaty. A Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Minister thanked the Committee for their recent enquiry into the Global Plastics Treaty.
The Minister assured the Committee the Government was taking every step to ensure an ambitious and effective global plastics pollution treaty. He stressed the Government believed the majority of countries did want to reach an agreement on this but was aware that many parties believe plastic production is outside of the scope of the agreement. I know that the UK has been clear that the treaty should address the full life cycle of plastic.
Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental issues that we face today. Plastic’s greatest strength – durability – has become its biggest flaw. Plastic does not disappear but breaks down into tiny fragments that invade our beaches, rivers, fields and even our bodies.
For too long, plastic has littered our oceans and threatened our wildlife. I am very concerned that amounts of plastic entering the ocean are predicted to triple by 2040 compared with 2016. I agree with the Government that we urgently need to agree a plastics treaty to enable global action to address this.
I believe a circular economy is key in helping to grow the economy, increase environmental resilience and to improve the lives of people around the country. I am delighted the Government has launched the circular economy taskforce, bringing together experts from different areas, to produce a road map to help end our throwaway society and stop the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our high streets, countryside and oceans.
I support the measures the Government has already taken to legislate on plastic across the UK. This includes a ban on the sale of single-use vapes and the development of a deposit return scheme for single-use plastic and metal drinks containers. I am also glad the extended producer responsibility for packaging came into effect this year, moving the cost of packaging to the producers themselves, rather than local taxpayers.
Addressing the problem of plastic pollution requires a joint effort between Governments, industry, academia and civil society. I understand the Government has hosted roundtables on this topic to help inform their approach to global negotiations.
I am proud of the leadership the Government has shown in advocating for an effective treaty against plastic pollution, including working with Chile to progress discussions on product design and Panama on the releases and leakages of plastic. I am confident the Government will continue to push to secure a robust and effective plastic treaty, and I will stand behind them in doing so.