SCOTTISH backbencher Alistair Carmichael has brought forward a new Bill, which would force the UK Government to establish a 2042 target to eliminate all plastic waste.
The legislation proposed by the Orkney and Shetland MP would require UK ministers to draw up and publish a strategy for eliminating plastic pollution as well as setting up statutory targets to eliminate that waste by 2025 for non-essential single-use plastic with the elimination of all plastic waste by 2042.
Mr Carmichael pointed out the bill was backed by a cross-party group of MPs as well as Friends of the Earth and the Women's Institute.
Presenting a 10-minute rule motion in the Commons, he said: “It is perhaps, no surprise that some of the leading voices for reducing plastic pollution in my own constituency are from the fishing industry itself.
“For years, they have supported campaigns such as fishing for litter and just this week the Shetland Fishermen’s Association have been highlighting the environmental impact of gillnetting and long lining.”
The Liberal Democrat MP explained such vessels were mainly Spanish-owned and licenced, which was having the effect of pushing out UK-registered boats sometimes hundreds of miles out to sea.
“Having left these nets there, it is more often than not the local boats that come across these nets and have to bring them into port for safe disposal.”
The former Scottish Secretary described plastic pollution as 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 co-operation but the UK can give a lead for other countries to follow.
“The Government’s press release-based approach has all been about grabbing headlines on easy parts of the agenda.
“Fishing plastic debris is a significant contributor with gillnet fishing one of biggest problem areas. Government need to have a better response and a clearer plan to deal with this crisis in our seas, to protect our natural environment,” he added.
For Mr Carmichael’s proposal to become law, it will almost certainly have to have the backing of the Government.
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