Liz Gyekye / PackagingNews

Cameron: Retailers should cut bag use or face legislation

Prime Minister David Cameron has raised the prospect of introducing laws to force retailers to slash the number of plastic bags they distribute.

Unless retailers address the issue voluntarily, legislation is on the cards he warned.

Cameron lauded the efforts of some retailers to reduce plastic bag use, which have resulted in far fewer single-use bags being issued in recent years, according to media reports.

But he warned it was “unacceptable” that the number rose in 2010.

He told the Daily Mail: “I am very concerned about the use of single use carrier bags and the effect that they have on the environment.

“The number of bags being used had fallen considerably, partly thanks to public pressure, and due to the efforts of many major retailers.

“Companies like Marks & Spencer have considerably reduced the use of bags by charging and then donating the money raised to charity – £4m has already gone to good causes since they started charging in 2008 and they are doing more to clean up beaches over the next few years.

“But progress overall went backwards last year. That’s unacceptable and we need to do better. I want to see the numbers going in the right direction again.

“I know that retailers want to do better too but if they don’t I will be asking them to explain why not.

“They also need to know that the government has options at its disposal – including legislating as other countries have done. We will continue to look carefully at all options in order to make sure that we further reduce the use of single use plastic bags.”


Slammed by the CBC

The CBC has slammed the statement issued by David Cameron over his threats to introduce laws to force retailers to slash the number of plastic bags they distribute.

A spokesperson said: “In the face of massive economic pressures it is a great shame that the Prime Minister is suggesting taxing the ordinary shopper particularly when this flies in the face of the evidence from his own Environment Agency which proves that the lightweight plastic bag is the best environmental choice if re-used – as it is by 76% of households (Wrap) or recycled at one of 5000 collection points at supermarkets. Mr Cameron should take the time to study the science instead of repeating the ‘greenwash’. He should also read the briefing note from his own environmental experts at Wrap.”