The APSRG will be holding an online panel discussion event on the solutions to reduce plastic pollution from our seas and oceans.

Please register and sign up here

The All-Party Parliamentary Sustainable Resource Group (APSRG) are pleased to present: ‘Stopping the Plastic Tide: Turning Plastic Marine Pollution Awareness into Action’. There is a high level of public awareness around plastic marine pollution, but clear action is needed from government, businesses, and consumers to help tackle this persisting issue.

This event will be chaired by Selaine Saxby MP, Vice Chair of the APPG on Ocean Conservation, and will discuss the solutions to reduce plastic pollution from our seas and oceans.

We are also delighted to announce that the recently appointed Minister for Agri-Innovation and Climate Adaptation, Jo Churchill will be giving a keynote speech.

Keynote speech:

• Jo Churchill - Minister for Agri-Innovation and Climate Adaptation

Speakers:

• Steve Fletcher - Professor of Ocean Policy and Economy, University of Portsmouth
• Megan Randles - Political Campaigner, Greenpeace
• Patrick Mahon - Head of Policy, Plastics Circular Economy, Common Seas
• Dr Costas Velis - Lecturer in Resource Efficiency Systems, University of Leeds
• Adrian Whyle - Senior Resource Efficiency Manager, PlasticsEurope

As part of a panel discussion on the topic, this event will investigate the following questions:

• What impact will the planned government measures have in reducing plastic marine waste? These include Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging, the Deposit Return Scheme, the consistency of collections, and the soon to be operationalised Plastic Packaging Tax, and the recent ban on certain single use plastic items.
• What can the government and businesses do more to make it easier for consumers and individuals to reduce single-use plastic habits and encourage the use of reusable and refillable items?
• How can we increase recycling rates of plastic packaging? What role does clear labelling, information, and citizen engagement have in reducing plastic marine pollution?
• How can the UK better work together with international partners to effectively meet UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 to “prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution” by 2025?
• How can we broaden the growing public interest around plastic marine pollution into the wider principles of the circular economy? What action is needed from government and the waste and resources sector to create a waste management system that empowers consumers to do their part?

Please register and sign up here

Please contact Nazza Ahmed at Nazza.Ahmed [at] policyconnect.org.uk (Nazza[dot]Ahmed[at]policyconnect[dot]org[dot]uk) if you have any questions.