Microplastic Pollution from Clothing
I share your concerns about the risks posed by microplastics in our water environment to public health, the environment and wildlife.
The Ecodesign governs regulations for products and appliances for Energy-Related Products Regulations 2010 and are routinely reviewed by the Government. Previous work with the water industry found that microplastics from clothing and textiles make up a small proportion – approximately 1% – of the total microplastics found within wastewater treatment works. I understand there is no current plan to amend the regulations for washing machines at this time.
However, I know Ministers are continuing to investigate microplastics and the risks they may have to public health.
I know the Microfibre Filters (Washing Machines) Bill is currently undergoing parliamentary scrutiny and awaits dates for further parliamentary stages.
I support measures to move towards a circular economy. In recent times we have become trapped in a throwaway culture where it is easier and quicker to replace something than get it fixed. This ‘take, use and throw’ model is economically unsustainable, creates mountains of waste to bury or burn, and leaves our supply chains vulnerable and exposed.
I support the deposit return scheme for plastic and metal drinks containers which the Government has pledged to deliver in October 2027 alongside the devolved Governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This will reduce litter, increase recycling rates and promote a circular economy.
I assure you I want to see a future where we keep our resources in use for longer, where waste is reduced, the path to net zero is accelerated, and there is investment in critical infrastructure and green jobs. I want to see both a prosperous economy and nature thriving. I will continue to support measures aimed at promoting the better use of our natural resources and at increasing and improving recycling.
Ocean Concerns
I believe that sustainability should be at the heart of the UK’s approach to fisheries management.
I am glad that the UK Government welcomes the broad principles set out in the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency, and I am proud that the UK already implements many of the policies it mentions. There is considerable merit in the Charter’s wider objective of improving transparency and accountability in global fisheries governance and management.
I am pleased that the Marine Management Organisation has introduced new by-laws that mean around 60% of marine protected areas in the UK are protected from the use of damaging fishing gear. We must understand and act on the negative impacts of bottom trawling in our sensitive habitats. I therefore greatly support the UK Government’s aims for 48% of marine protected species and habitats to reach a healthy state by 2028, with the rest in recovery.
In Wales, the Welsh Government closely monitors all commercial fishing activity, such as trawling, within its territory, including within the network of MPAs (Marine Protected Areas). This includes remote monitoring of vessel activity and maintaining surveillance and enforcement fleets which patrol the territory and can intervene.
The Welsh Government is currently working in partnership with Natural Resource Wales to undertake a structured evaluation of fishing activity interactions with features of Welsh MPAs. This evaluation, the Assessing Welsh Fishing Activities project, will provide a robust evidence base on which to introduce fisheries management measures, where necessary, to safeguard MPA features from potentially damaging activities. I am also aware that management measures could include banning or restricting bottom trawling activities if this is deemed appropriate for some areas.
More broadly, I believe it is important we make progress and work with the international community to protect our marine environment. I understand that that the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, as well as the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in Westminster are presently working on a timeline to introduce legislation that will mean the UK can ratify the Global Oceans Treaty. The Global Oceans Treaty is a biodiversity pact, agreed at the UN, which aims to conserve and ensure the sustainable use of ocean biodiversity.
I also welcome the recent agreement across the Commonwealth to back global efforts to protect at least 30% of the planet’s oceans by 2030.
Sewage Pollution
I agree we must clean up our waterways. Their destruction is unacceptable and the sewage spilling into our rivers, lakes and seas is a national disgrace.
I supported the landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025,s a major step forward in reforming and fixing the broken water system.
Water company bosses can now face imprisonment for lawbreaking. The water regulator, Ofwat, will be able to ban the payment of bonuses if environmental standards are not met, and there are powers to introduce automatic and severe fines against water companies. Water companies will also have to install real-time monitors at every sewage outlet, and they will be held accountable against a new code of conduct.
Water companies must also publish specific plans to tackle sewage pollution in local communities and explain how they are using natural and sustainable solutions to clean up our waterways.
I am pleased the Government has banned unfair bonuses for bosses at six water companies. Like anyone else, water company bosses should only get bonuses for performing well and not if they have failed to tackle water pollution.
Sir Jon Cunliffe is currently undertaking the biggest review of the water sector since privatisation. This review will make recommendations to deliver long-term benefits, restore water bodies to good health, provide a reliable and efficient supply of water in a changing climate, and serve both customers and the environment. I understand the full report is due to be published later this year, and the Government will consult on its proposals.
I support action to ringfence money for investment in water infrastructure so it cannot be diverted for bonuses or dividends. Where money is unspent, it will be returned to customers. I know Ofwat has also announced £104 billion of private sector investment over the next five years to build and upgrade water infrastructure across the country. It will help create thousands of jobs, build 1.5 million homes, support major infrastructure projects and power new industries.
I pay tribute to all campaigners nationwide who have been drawing attention to this important issue, and to those who work and deal with sewage overflows, working on the frontline and sometimes facing appalling levels of abuse.