Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to help reduce plastic pollution in (a) rivers, (b) seas and (c) other waterways.

The Government is working domestically and internationally to implement measures that will prevent plastic from reaching the environment.

Domestically, bans and restrictions on single-use plastic products, such as cutlery, straws, and polystyrene takeaway containers, plates and bowls have been introduced alongside the single-use carrier bag charge. The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers will introduce a deposit on single-use drinks containers which is redeemable when the empty container is returned. DRS will reduce plastic litter and increase recycling rates. The Government is considering what further steps are needed to help local authorities reduce litter and thus prevent it from entering and damaging our waterways and ecosystems.

Plastic pollution is a global crisis that no country can solve alone. The UK is also working with international partners to conclude an ambitious and effective new international treaty to end plastic pollution which protects the environment and paves the way to a circular economy.