Figures from across the waste industry have reacted to the Queen’s speech yesterday (11 May), which marked the opening of parliament.
The Queen outlined how the government will “lead the way” internationally through the Environment Bill, which is due to be enshrined into law during this parliamentary session (see letsrecycle.com story).
The Queen delivered her speech at the State Opening of Parliament (picture: parliamentlive.tv)
While the re-introduction of the bill was welcomed, the response to yesterday’s speech was mixed.
Some in the sector, including the chief executive of Suez, said the bill’s re-introduction “paves the way for the necessary changes”.
However, others urged the government to move quickly with introducing the bill, warning it is “critical” it is not delayed any further.
Bill
The Environment Bill, which includes measures on consistency in collections, reform of the producer responsibility system for packaging and a deposit return scheme, was due to be implemented in the last parliamentary session but was delayed.
Touching on the government’s Environment Bill, the Queen said: “My government will create and invest in new green industries to create jobs while protecting the environment. The United Kingdom is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and will continue to lead the way internationally by hosting the COP 26 summit in Glasgow.
“Legislation will set binding environmental targets and will also be brought forward to ensure the United Kingdom has the highest standards of environment welfare.”
‘Collective desire’
John Scanlon, chief executive of Suez recycling and recovery UK, welcomed the re-introduction of the bill, and said the interest in the current government consultations from all parts of the value chain “demonstrates the collective desire to improve resource efficiency and create a more circular economy”.
John Scanlon, chief executive of Suez recycling and Recovery UK
Mr Scanlon added: “The re-introduction of the Environment Bill paves the way for the necessary changes to legislation that will enable the work taking place on the consultations to translate into a new policy framework that will transform our sector and the way we way we make, consume and dispose of products and their packaging.”
‘Urgent’
Many respondents also urged the government to move quickly to ensure the bill is not further delayed.
In January, the Environment Bill was pushed back to the next parliamentary session due to “exceptional pressure on the parliamentary timetable which has reduced the amount of parliamentary time available for the scrutiny of legislation” (see letsrecycle.com story).
“The natural environment cannot wait a moment longer and we need the new environmental governance process in place”
Sam Alvis, head of green renewal at Green Alliance, said the need for the bill’s introduction has never been more urgent.
Mr Alvis said: “In this parliament, putting climate and nature at the heart of the economy has never been more urgent. It’s time for the government to make good on its promises to level up and secure a lasting and fair green recovery, and not pull-up funding the drawbridge before we reach net zero.”
This was echoed by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). Its director of policy and external affairs Martin Baxter said that whilst the IEMA welcomes the confirmation that the Environment Bill will continue its course, “it is ‘third time lucky’ for this bill and essential that it receives Royal Assent as soon as possible”.
Mr Baxter continued: “The natural environment cannot wait a moment longer and we need the new environmental governance process in place to ensure we protect and enhance our natural capital and ecosystems.
“There is much work to do to establish long-term environmental targets, integrate environmental principles into whole-of-government policy making and ensure that the new ‘green watchdog’, the Office for Environmental Protection, sets off on the right footing. IEMA is working with government in each of these areas and will continue to do so to tackle the significant environmental challenges we face”.
He added that 2021 is a “landmark year” for the environment and climate change, with COP26 taking place in Glasgow in November.
Wood
Criticism of the government came from Sasha Stashwick, senior advocate at Natural Resources Defense Council and member of the Cut Carbon Not Forests, who accused the government of being hypocritical by allegedly allowing some companies to import trees to be processed for energy recovery.
Sasha Stashwick, senior advocate at Natural Resources Defense Council
She said some companies have been “lobbying officials, MPs and peers in favour of burning trees from overseas for electricity is lining the pockets of company executives and shareholders and should give major cause for concern”.
Ms Stashwick added: “The even bigger scandal is that any public money is being spent by Government to prop up a business that exacerbates climate change, harms forests, threatens wildlife and emits deadly air pollution. By continuing to fund the cutting down of and burning of trees instead of investing in real renewables, the Government is contradicting its commitment to achieving Net Zero, protecting biodiversity and addressing deforestation.
“It is nothing short of climate hypocrisy that in the year the UK holds the COP26 presidency, Britain is spending billions funding the dirty energy produced by companies like Drax. We should be protecting all trees, not subsidising businesses that cut them down.”
Covid recovery
Matthew Fell, policy director at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said his organisation “shares the government’s ambition to turbocharge the UK’s recovery” from the pandemic, adding that the Queen’s speech “provides the building blocks” for economic growth.
He said: “It’s right that the golden thread in this legislative agenda is levelling-up the country. We haven’t got a moment to lose.
“The strong focus on skills will support high quality, local jobs. The emphasis on rail, bus and digital will better connect local economies. And a fresh approach to innovation will unlock big, bold ideas and new sources of growth around the country.
“But businesses will feel there were some missed opportunities. Firms were looking for greater impetus on enabling legislation to speed up the race to zero, and action on business rates to stimulate investment and revive our high streets”.
The post Calls for urgency on Environment Bill’s re-introduction appeared first on letsrecycle.com.
Source: letsrecycle.com Waste Managment
