Gove: Time to get rid of disposable nappies

MINISTERS are planning a crackdown on disposable nappies to reduce the amount of plastic in the oceans, Michael Gove said last night.

The Environment Secretary told a Tory conference fringe event there was a need for a ‘different approach’ to reduce the number of single-use nappies being thrown away.

Asked whether it was time to ‘get rid’ of disposable nappies, he said: ‘Yes.’

But last night Mr Gove’s aides strenuously denied a ban was being considered. Instead they insisted the government would encourage people to move away from disposable nappies towards ‘sustainable alternatives’ such as cloth ones.

Almost 3billion disposable nappies are thrown away in the UK each year, and are said to have a far greater impact on the environment than single-use coffee cups

But Annie O’Leary, editor in chief of the parenting website Netmums, said female voters would ‘not look too kindly’ on a male politician commenting on their use of nappies.

Mr Gove also suggested people should be weaned off ballpoint pens, disposable razors and balloons on plastic sticks.

The Government is set to introduce a plastic tax in the Budget, encouraging firms to switch to more environmentally friendly materials.