ESA responds to the Queen's Speech
Environmental Services Association
ESA fully supports the principle of responsible export, and we look forward to working with the Government to ensure that the proposed ban goes hand-in-hand with other measures to stimulate domestic demand for recyclable materials.
Executive Director of the Environmental Services Association (ESA), Jacob Hayler, said: “For many in our sector, this will feel like Groundhog Day, with a Queens Speech announcing a new environmental legislation for the second time in nine weeks – including steps to meet net zero carbon by 2050, legally binding targets on air quality, and the establishment of a ‘world leading independent regulator’ for the environment. However, this time, it also included reference to a ban on the export of plastic outside of the OECD, which was included in the Conservative manifesto.
On this latter point, ESA fully supports the principle of responsible export, and we look forward to working with the Government to ensure that the proposed ban goes hand-in-hand with other measures to stimulate domestic demand for recyclable materials, and the delivery of new infrastructure; and that it ensures good recyclable material is not sent for disposal.
It would seem that we are finally entering a period of political stability, and ESA members will no doubt be pleased that the new Government is wasting no time in cracking on with a legislative agenda to deliver on its pledges for the environment, even if the timeline is ultimately being driven by the Government’s desire to exit the EU by the end of January.”
