Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey has told MPs the “best outcome” for deposit return scheme (DRS) policy would be one scheme aligned across UK nations.
Speaking to MPs in the environment, food and rural affairs (EFRA) committee, the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Thérèse Coffey said “I think the best outcome (for DRS policy) would be if we could have the one scheme.”
Coffey told the committee’s chair, Sir Robert Goodwill, “The Scottish government has a different policy. I will wait to see if the new first minister wants to continue with the same policy and proposal of that scheme in Scotland. I’m pleased that England, NI and Wales are moving in step.”
Although she acknowledged Wales “want to do extra on glass” and said the country thinks they have a way of achieving this.
I will wait to see if the new first minister wants to continue with the same policy and proposal of that scheme in Scotland.
“I still think there is an opportunity for a GB-wide scheme. That is still open to the Scottish government if they want to join that,” Coffey continued. “I think there is also balance here to understand if the first minister wants to continue with the same policy and the request for the scheme to exempt from the UK internal market.”
Coffey also said she was conscious of cost concerns raised on the price and supply of goods in Scotland is something the Scottish government will have to consider “very carefully”.
The committee’s chair also asked the Defra Secretary about a potential ban on exports of plastic waste. Coffey replied that there is a “legitimate role” for exports; however, she said Defra has committed to banning exports to non-OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries and will consult this year on the time frame to implement a ban.
