Cameron in plastic bags crackdown warning
Mr Cameron praised major high street stores for a significant dip overall in the amount of single-use bags being handed to shoppers in recent years, but branded it “unacceptable” that the number went up in 2010.
He warned stores that they would have to answer to him if they failed to reverse that trend soon.
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Hide AdMr Cameron said: “I am very concerned about the use of single-use carrier bags and the effect that they have on the environment.
“The number of bags being used has fallen considerably, partly thanks to public pressure and due to the efforts of many major retailers.
“Companies like Marks & Spencer have considerably reduced the use of bags by charging and then donating the money raised to charity – £4m has already gone to good causes since they started charging in 2008 and they are doing more to clean up beaches over the next few years.
“But progress overall went backwards last year. That’s unacceptable and we need to do better. I want to see the numbers going in the right direction again.
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Hide Ad“I know that retailers want to do better too but if they don’t I will be asking them to explain why not.
“They also need to know that the Government has options at its disposal - including legislating as other countries have done. We will continue to look carefully at all options in order to make sure that we further reduce the use of single use plastic bags.”