The UK parliament has unveiled a package of measures to “virtually eliminate” single-use plastics from Westminster in the next year.

The move will see a range of items – from coffee cups to straws, plastic bags to water bottles – removed from the parliamentary estate, to be replaced by compostable or reuseable options by 2019.

The move was welcomed by Mary Creagh MP, chair of the environmental audit committee, who said it followed many of the recommendations set out in her committee’s reports (pdf).

But she called on the government to take firmer action to ensure similar programmes were rolled out across the country.

“Parliament’s action stands in stark contrast to ministers who consult, announce and re-announce, but never seem to do anything to turn back the plastic tide,” she said.

“The government should follow parliament’s lead and introduce a ‘latte levy’ for coffee cups, a deposit return scheme for plastic bottles, and make sure that those who produce the packaging pay to recycle it.”

There is growing alarm at the damage plastic pollution is doing to the oceans and wider environment. Scientists have warned that it risks the near permanent contamination of the world with increasing evidence it is entering the food chain with unknown consequences for human health.



Several major retailers have announced they are taking measures to tackle plastic pollution but campaigners say ministers must go further to stop the problem.

Sir Paul Beresford MP, chair of the commons administration committee, which recommended the proposals for the House of Commons, said he was delighted parliament was taking a stand.

“The measures we are introducing are ambitious and wide ranging, covering not just coffee cups but an array of items from plastic bottles and straws to condiment sachets and stationery. Our aim is to remove, as far as possible, disposable plastic items from the parliamentary estate.”

Parliament will stop purchasing non-recyclable disposable cups and plastic water bottles. The coffee cups will be replaced by a compostable alternative and to encourage a long-term move away from single-use items, a 25p charge will be added to hot drinks served in the new compostable cups. Reusable coffee cups will be available to buy, and incentives will be offered to customers who refill them.

Plastic bottles of water will no longer be on sale, with more water points installed. Condiment sachets and plastic cutlery and food packaging will be replaced by compostable alternatives.

As part of the plan, plastic carrier bags will be phased out in retail outlets next year to be replaced by paper carrier bags, alongside the branded fabric shopping bags which are already available to buy.

Lord Laming, chair of the House of Lords services committee, which agreed the proposals for the House of Lords, said: “Parliament has acknowledged the damaging effect single-use disposable plastic is having on the environment and that it must lead the way in valuing our environmental future over convenience.”

He added: “We all have a responsibility in this so it’s time to really start to think about the steps everyone can take to reduce their plastic use and I hope that the measures parliament will implement over the next 12 months will inspire other organisations and people to make changes in their everyday lives.”

