A majority of British voters believe that Sir Keir Starmer, as Labor Prime Minister, has shown no greater commitment to protecting the environment than previous Conservative governments.
Around two-thirds believe Starmer’s approach to the environment is no different to the approach taken by Rishi Sunak’s previous administration.
More than half of people said Prime Minister Rachel Reeves should not weaken the UK government’s stance on environmental protection ahead of next week’s Budget.
trash
Nature Secretary Mary Creagh has confirmed plans for a landmark national recycling scheme will be weakened and scrutiny of Whitehall policies will increase.
Creagh has drawn criticism from environmental campaigners, saying glass bottles “do not fall within the scope” of the deposit return scheme. The comment came a long time later. National Assembly written response To Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Dyke last week.
Deposit Return Schemes operate in over 40 countries around the world and apply a small fee to everyday drinks containers, which is refunded when the item is recycled at a bottle bank.
The most successful schemes across Europe have recycling rates of up to 97%, which is key to reducing harmful greenhouse gases and achieving net zero.
Research by Nature 2030 found overwhelming support (75%) for introducing a comprehensive deposit return system, with more than two-thirds (68%) of Britons concerned about the high levels of waste and pollution generated by single-use drinks. expressed. container.
invest
The research comes ahead of DEFRA’s ‘rapid review’ of the previous government’s environmental improvement plans, which campaigners hope new ministers will strengthen to protect the planet.
Campaigners argue the new Labor government must be ambitious in delivering a joint approach to environmental projects, unlike the “piecemeal approach” adopted by the previous Conservative government.
They are calling on the Treasury to deliver “the greenest budget in UK history” in the House of Commons next week.
Sian Sutherland, co-founder of A Plastic Planet & PlasticFree, said: “But we have once again realized that British citizens are wiser than the economists advising politicians on environmental policy. Show us a balance sheet that proves that healthy living is possible. A thriving economy on a dying planet. Are there any?
“We are heading towards a world where investment and business enthusiasts cannot get insurance at all. Take a look at Florida real estate. It is a glimpse into our future if we do not urgently invest in regenerating our natural systems.
corner
“The sea, the air, the soil, and all living things are connected to one great system of life, and if you disconnect from that system, you disconnect not only from your financial security, but from life itself.”
Dominic Dyer, environmental campaigner and Chair of Nature 2030, said: “The Prime Minister must deliver the greenest Budget in UK history next week.
“The only way to protect our planet for future generations is to achieve green growth, harness renewable energy and ensure a circular economy to address the harmful levels of waste and pollution we are experiencing.
“After 14 years of a piecemeal approach under the previous Conservative government, Rachel Reeves can show the country next week that the new government has turned things around.”
This author
Brendan Montague is the editor. ecologist.
