Bishop of Sheffield urges Prime Minister to introduce law to cut plastic pollution

The Bishop of Sheffield has joined forces with businesses, MPs, faith leaders, academics and campaigning organisations, urging the Prime Minister to introduce a law to cut plastic pollution.
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Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox is one of many individuals and organisations who have signed a letter to the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, highlighting that although a ban on plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds have had positive impacts, ‘a more overarching approach’ is needed to deal with plastic pollution.

The letter also urges that long-term and interim targets are needed in attempting to solve the problem and these should be included in the Government’s flagship Environment Bill.

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Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset - who has tabled an amendment to the Environment Bill requiring legally binding plastic pollution reduction targets to be set - said: “The Government has made great strides towards tackling the scourge of plastic pollution. My amendment takes this further. We generate so much plastic waste here in the UK that it needs to be shipped abroad, whilst supermarkets and large retailers have no requirement to reduce their excessive plastic usage. Now is the time to get a grip of plastic pollution, once and for all.”

Bishop of Sheffield, The right Reverand Pete Wilcox with his plastic recycling box at his residence in SheffieldBishop of Sheffield, The right Reverand Pete Wilcox with his plastic recycling box at his residence in Sheffield
Bishop of Sheffield, The right Reverand Pete Wilcox with his plastic recycling box at his residence in Sheffield

Friends of the Earth campaigner, Camilla Zerr, added: “The Government has promised to be a world leader on the environment and set a gold standard for cutting down on plastic waste. Now it’s time to deliver.”

Although ministers have said they are not able to scrutinise legislation properly at the current time due to pandemic priorities, campaigners believe further delays to the Bill may pose a danger to people’s health.

Many are concerned that the pandemic may be exacerbating issues, for example, disposable face masks have been found on more than two thirds of recent Marine Conservation Society beach clean ups.

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Amy Slack, head of campaigns and policy at Surfers Against Sewage, said: “During the Covid-19 pandemic we have seen just how important our green and blue spaces are for people’s mental health and wellbeing. However, the pandemic has also highlighted once again the sheer amount of plastic pollution that enters into the environment choking these treasured natural places.”

Bishop of Sheffield, The right Reverand Pete Wilcox with his plastic recycling box at his residence in SheffieldBishop of Sheffield, The right Reverand Pete Wilcox with his plastic recycling box at his residence in Sheffield
Bishop of Sheffield, The right Reverand Pete Wilcox with his plastic recycling box at his residence in Sheffield

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.