22 Oct 2018

Watch the latest evidence session of the Environment Audit Committee inquiry on Sustainable Sea. The Committee are examining the impact of environmental changes and the legal framework protecting ocean biodiversity, a sustainable blue economy and the impact of marine industries, science and innovation, and blue finance. Topics covered by witnesses last week include plastic pollution, […]

22 Oct 2018

The 73rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is taking place in London this week. On the agenda is consideration of setting a cap of ship speeds to significantly reduce their contribution to climate change, support for implementation of the new lower 0.50% limit on Sulphur in […]

21 Aug 2018

The huge scale of the problem – London Assembly & Thames set out challenges (continue) New Report from the Greater London Authority Key facts Thames Water removes 30 tonnes of unflushable material every day from one of its sites. It unclogs five house blockages every hour from London’s sewers, a 30 per cent increase from […]

20 Aug 2018

Publication of the summary of responses begins to highlight next steps Litter Innovation Fund: further round of funding announced HM Treasury: ‘Individuals, businesses and campaign groups have expressed overwhelming support for action on tackling the impact of plastics on our environment.  The backing comes as HM Treasury publishes the summary of responses to its recent call for […]

13 Aug 2018

Now we have the measurements we need effective management action After decades of Government indifference we now are seeing some concerted action. The old adage, ‘you can’t manage what you can’t measure’, is starting to be addressed. Now the issue is implementing effective management measures. Litter strategy for England: progress reports This report sets out […]

07 Aug 2018

5 articles including petition on Walkers Crisps & BBC action Industry is trying to stop Deposit Refund Schemes   Sue Kinsey  Marine Conservation Society Despite growing public and political support for the introduction of a Deposit Refund System, or Deposit Return Scheme – DRS to you and me – for drinks containers across the UK, there […]

23 Jul 2018

Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey hosted a meeting of 30 High Commissioners from Commonwealth countries today in London. The meeting was the first time that representatives from the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance (CCOA) have met, as four more countries sign up to the UK and Vanuatu-led efforts to tackle ocean plastic. The Alliance, which was announced by […]

02 Jul 2018

‘Scottish Government consult on details of deposit return scheme Overview     Consultation on the options for distinct elements of a deposit return scheme on beverage containers, seeking views on which options will deliver the best results for Scotland.  Why We Are Consulting   We want to design a deposit return system that will work well for everyone […]