Carmichael calls for cross-government cooperation to tackle plastic pollution

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today highlighted the “counterproductive” approach by SNP-Green ministers on the Deposit Return Scheme in calling for both governments to cooperate on a strategy to tackle plastic pollution more broadly. Speaking in Parliament Mr Carmichael noted the challenges for plastic pollution caused by Covid measures, and the need to redouble efforts to tackle plastic waste.

Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said:

“We have to accept though that although we were making very good progress in reducing and eliminating plastic before Covid, the measures that were necessary during lockdown did see a lot of that reversed, and there is now a need for a renewed and reinvigorated approach.

“Unfortunately in Scotland we have a rather poorly designed Deposit Return Scheme which risks causing further damage to the cause. Would the minister commit to working with members across the House to design a strategy which will get the elimination of single-use plastics and can enjoy everyone’s support?”

The environment minister, Rebecca Pow MP replied:

“I’m always very keen to talk about these issues. Indeed we are pressing on with all our schemes, the extended producer responsibility scheme, the deposit return scheme and others. I’m sorry about what he says about the Scottish deposit return scheme, but certainly we are pressing on here to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste.”

Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said:

“While I have been critical of the pace in tackling plastic pollution by ministers it is in all our interest to get this right, with all our governments working together. Plastic waste affects us all in our waterways and seas. Worrying about individual government fiefdoms does no one any good.

“Colleagues in the Scottish Parliament have been making the case for a rethink on the Deposit Return Scheme to avoid it turning into a counterproductive quagmire for business and environmental concerns alike. Now is the time to work between our governments to get a system in place that will work for everyone, so that we can get on with the real business of tackling plastic pollution.”