Last week saw some more excellent progress in the campaigns
I have supported that seek to cut down on the use of single-use plastics in our
society today.
Firstly on Monday I was delighted to welcome the
inspirational Rob and his daughter Emily Stevenson to discuss the work they
have been doing with the Beach Guardian Initiative, which has done so much both
locally in Cornwall and nationally to raise awareness of and fight against the
single use plastic menace that troubles our seas and beaches.
I have previously met Rob in St Austell and it was good to
catch up in Parliament both to see how their work has come on since we last
met, but also so that other MPs can see what they have done and continue to
show that Cornwall leads the way when it comes to looking after our environment
and living sustainably.
Following this, on Tuesday we had some great news on the
success of the Plastic Free Parliament campaign, as the House of Commons
confirmed it will be cracking down on single use plastics.
Sir Paul Beresford, Chair of the Administration Select
Committee, announced that over the next twelve months, the House of Commons
will:
End sales of water in plastic bottles; introduce a 25p
additional cost for using single use coffee cups; incentivise use of reusable
cups through additional loyalty rewards; start selling reusable cups to
encourage behaviour change; introduce fixed condiment dispensers to replace
plastic sachets; replace disposable catering items that are currently plastic
with compostable; replace plastic cups with compostable ones; replace plastic
bags with paper ones, as well as a raft of other measures designed to help
Parliament operate more sustainably.
This is excellent news and a brilliant result to the
positive campaign that is the result of many people and organisations working
together. I am pleased to have particularly worked with Surfers Against Sewage
and Sky Ocean Rescue to achieve this great progress in just months.
The changes announced show that real change can be achieved
through grassroots movements. I am delighted that Sir Paul recognised the role
played by Surfers Against Sewage and by extension the work so many in Cornwall
are playing in driving the change we need to look after our environment and
live more sustainably.
I have been pleased to take part in a number of litter picks
and beach cleans in Mid-Cornwall and it has been great to see our communities
recognise there is a need to do something about the rubbish, much of it
single-use plastics that litters our highways and byways. Thanks to everyone
who has been out and continues to go out on these events – setting a really
positive example for the rest of us to follow.
I will continue working on both local and national campaigns
to lead the fight against plastics waste polluting our seas.
My team and I are here to serve the whole constituency and
work hard to make a real difference to the lives of everyone needing support.
The office is open to the public Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm (no
appointment necessary). If there is an issue you would like my assistance on
then please, either visit the office or contact me on either 01726 829379 or
office@stevedouble.org.uk. Additionally, I hold regular, appointment only,
advice surgeries across the constituency. Dates of these can be found at: www.stevedouble.org.uk/events
