(Putney) (Lab):...The next
issue, which has cross-party support, is my campaign to ban
plastic in wet wipes. It has come a long way and I know that
Members are waiting with bated breath to find out what the next
steps are. I introduced my private Member’s Bill in 2021, and it
was supported by Members from across the House. Billions of wet
wipes are used every year, and, because they contain plastic,
they do not break down, they block sewers, they add costs to our
water bills and they cause environmental damage in our rivers and
oceans. There was a consultation, which was great, and it ended
in February last year. Suppliers, retailers and all parts of the
industry are united in saying that a ban could be achieved.
Tesco and
Boots have led the way as retailers, banning plastic in all the
wet wipes that they sell, which amounts to billions of wet wipes
a year. Producers and retailers agree that a date could be set,
and that they could introduce a ban. The Government’s plan for
water was published in April. There was the opportunity to get
the ban. It included an announcement from the Government that it
would be done—fantastic. So far so good, but there is no actual
ban and there is no actual date. Instead, we have a promise of
another consultation. I ask the Minister today: why is there
another consultation; when will it be launched; and when will the
actual ban come in?
