Senedd plastics debate will consider next steps for Welsh Government

Published: 5 Feb 2019

A debate on plastics tomorrow (Wednesday 6 February 2019), held by Hefin David, Assembly Member of Caerphilly, will praise the efforts of local communities up and down Wales to reduce plastic waste and discuss the steps for Welsh Government.

Vikki Howells AM, Rhianon Passmore AM and Joyce Watson AM (Labour), as well as David Melding AM (Conservative) are also likely to speak in the debate, and Hannah Blythyn AM will be responding on behalf of Welsh Government as Deputy Minister with responsibility for sustainable resource and waste management in Wales.

 

Bleddyn Lake, Campaigns and Development Manager for Friends of the Earth Cymru, welcomed the debate:

“Thank you Hefin David for recognising the vital work individuals and communities are doing across Wales to combat plastic waste.

“Welsh Government needs to support these inspiring local examples by bringing about real change on a national level. National government, local government, businesses and individuals all must play their part if we are to stand a chance of tackling our plastic waste.

We look forward to hearing more about the plans to introduce a UK-Wide Extended Produced Responsibility scheme and a Bottle Deposit Return Scheme, and also what other steps Welsh Government are taking to combat waste.”

 

Hefin David, Assembly Member for Caerphilly said:

"The issue of excessive plastic waste has risen to the forefront of Welsh politics in the last year or so. Sir David Attenborough's Blue Planet II programme really struck a chord. Since then governments have been turning their attention to this issue.

"Wales has an excellent track record on recycling as a whole. This is in large part due to people in places like Caerphilly supporting recycling and recognising how much better it is for the environment. Indeed, Caerphilly County Borough Council have established a Project Group to see how the challenge of addressing plastic waste can be met.

"However, on plastic waste there is so much more to be done. That's why I am holding the debate in the Senedd on Wednesday. We need to raise awareness of what is already being done locally. The Welsh Government can use these good examples in taking the steps to reduce the amount of plastic waste in Wales."

 

Share this page