Microfibres Bill boosted by the PM
THE government is looking at introducing legislation introduced by a county MP that could see new washing machines fitted with microfibre filters to collect tiny pieces of plastic and keep them out of the environment.
Boris Johnson was responding to Conservative South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa, who is seeking support for his Private Members Bill to ensure the latest washing machines are made with the pollution-quashing filters.
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Costa said: “Washing machine manufacturers are considering installing microfibre filter systems in all new washing machines.”
He asked: “Will the Prime Minister ask his minsters to look into the viability of my Bill, which has cross-party support and seeks to introduce inexpensive microplastic filters on all new washing machines?”
The Prime Minister thanked Mr Costa for his campaign.
He said: “I believe we should tackle microplastic pollution and I’m glad that Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) is looking at the introduction of legislation for microfibre filters on washing machines as a cost beneficial solution.
“I will make sure that my right honourable friend, the Secretary of State for the environment (George Eustice MP), will keep him informed of how we’re doing.”
Mr Costa chairs the all-party parliamentary group on microplastics, which published a report last year.
It made six recommendations, which include appointing a minister of plastic pollution and the creation of a microplastic action plan. This would set out an overall strategy for government to help tackle microplastic release into the environment from all sources.
The report also recommends that an extended producer responsibility scheme for textiles should be introduced from 2023. Mr Costa said at the time: “I am very proud of this report. The proposed recommendations aim to reduce microplastic pollution with a focus on microfibre plastic.
“Microplastic pollution is a growing problem.
“The government should consider implementing changes to significantly reduce and help mitigate the harmful effects humans have in disposing microplastics in our environment.
“I would strongly encourage the government to consider the report recommendations”
Dr Laura Foster, head of clean seas at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “Microfibres have been found to account for 70 to 100 per cent of microplastics in parts of our ocean.
“That’s why we’ve been campaigning for all new washing machines to be required, by law, to be factory-fitted with microfibre filters and thousands have signed our petition in support.
“We look forward to seeing this recommendation turned into action in parliament, with filters fitted by 2025.”