Tories are failing on recycling and waste

Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh pledged her support for the Daily Mail’s campaign to cut the use of plastic carrier bags on 6 August. The Wakefield MP called on the Prime Minister to take action to get Britain’s recycling policies back on track.

Mary said "David Cameron backed the Daily Mail’s Banish the Bags campaign in opposition, but his government has seen the first increase in plastic bag use since 2006. Labour helped cut plastic bag use by 40% between 2006 and 2010 by working with supermarkets and consumer groups.

"The Tory-led Government’s waste policy is just rubbish. They failed to set challenging recycling targets for England unlike the Welsh and Scottish governments, and have slashed funding for Keep Britain Tidy by 90%.

“The Tories risk turning Britain back into the dirty man of Europe with litter and plastic bags spoiling our streets. If we want to cut the amount of waste sent to landfill, the Government has to work with retailers who have made huge efforts to help shoppers do the right thing. Crossing your fingers and hoping for something to turn up is not a strategy for tackling plastic bag use. The Prime Minister must show leadership and either get the big retailers to do more or make it clear he is not afraid to take action on the issue.'

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2022991/Daily-Mail-Campaign-Labour-backs-bags-campaign.html