Closed petition Ban plastic bags illegal and require the use of biodegradable bags instead

We must pay 5p per general-sized bag. From 1 April this goes up to 10p per bag. Our modern lifestyle means many people are 'impromptu shoppers', and usually have no issue spending 5p.
Italy introduced biodegradable 'plastic' bags in 2011 and charge less than 5p per bag. Plastic pollutes our planet

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Biodegradable 'plastic' bags have been in use in Italy since 2011 with great success, they don't pollute the environment, which I think as a responsible citizen of this planet we should all be striving to improve on.

I hope that you will all give this serious consideration.

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MPs call for ban on all plastic waste exports

MPs on the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee have called for a ban on the export of all plastic waste from the UK by 2027 to reduce the country's contribution to global plastic waste pollution. 

Read a summary of the Committee's report on plastic waste

Report on ending the impact of plastic waste

Earlier this month, the Committee published a report on the impact of plastic waste and ways of reducing it. In their report, MPs called on the Government to restrict the amount of plastic that can be exported from the UK. They also called on the Government to step up the enforcement of existing rules to prevent criminal gangs illegally exporting and dumping UK-produced waste. 

The report follows a series of evidence sessions earlier this year, where the Committee questions representatives from charities, environmental campaigners and commercial trade experts. At these sessions the Committee explored:

  • whether the Government’s current ambitions to reduce plastic waste were enough
  • how alternatives to plastic consumption can be identified and supported
  • how England's current plastic exports impact other countries.

Find out more about the Committee's inquiry into plastic waste and read oral evidence from the Committee's inquiry.

What is the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee? 

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is a cross-party group of backbench MPs that scrutinises the administration, spending and policy of the Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 

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