I am absolutely delighted to share the news the UK Government will introduce new world-leading legislation to ban wet wipes containing plastic and it is heartening to know several retailers have already stopped selling wet wipes containing plastic. I am writing to clarify the position and clear up any myths.
This delivers on our commitment set out in the Plan for Water to launch a public consultation on the ban and work with industry to ensure plastic-free alternatives are widely available. The Government’s response has been published: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/wet-wipes-containing-plasti…
My colleague Steve Barclay, the Environment Secretary, confirmed, ‘Defra will introduce legislation before the summer recess to crack down on this unnecessary source of pollution, following our successful single-use carrier bag charge and ban on microbeads in personal care products’.
It was a fantastic way to mark Earth Day 2024, with its theme of ‘Planet vs. Plastics’ setting out next steps to deliver the ban, building on multiple actions already taken across the UK to tackle plastic pollution.
However, we know plastic pollution continues to have a devastating effect on our world’s oceans, people and the wider environment. I am proud, therefore, the UK is a founding member of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, a group of over 60 countries, calling for an ambitious and effective treaty. The UK has been a vocal proponent of a strong and comprehensive agreement that covers the whole lifecycle of plastics and the Government’s commitment to securing an agreement on the text of a new international, legally binding plastics treaty by end of 2024 is extremely welcome.
Let me finish by thanking you for your campaigning on this crucial issue and assure you both I, and this government, remain committed to the ambition of ending plastic pollution by 2040.
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