Fife MP launches petition to phase out single-use plastics

A petition has been launched by a Fife MP calling for more to be done to phase out single-use plastic.

Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman is urging the UK Government to work with devolved nations to do more to reduce climate change and littering.

The petition follows a letter to the SNP MP from pupils at Commercial Primary in Dunfermline, appealing to him to do something about plastic pollution in the town.

They urged Mr Chapman to write to the secretary of state for the environment but he decided to introduce a petition to demonstrate the support from the local community.

It will be placed in a number of primary schools and other locations in Dunfermline to be signed.

Mr Chapman said: “I am delighted to see the younger generation engaged in politics and recognising the threat single-use plastics and littering are presenting to our precious planet.

“I am urging the UK Government to clean up its act on single-use plastics and work alongside the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments to stop their use.

“The Scottish Government has already taken steps to reduce its plastic waste by banning all single-use plastics in its buildings. Fife Council have also taken similar steps.

“We now need to see a change in industry and in our everyday life, like not using plastic stirrers or cutlery, or bringing a reusable mug to work every day.”

A spokesman for the UK Government said it is pressing ahead with plans to ban plastic straws, drink stirrers and cotton buds from April 2020.