West Dorset MP Chris Loder has welcomed a 'far-reaching ban' on single-use plastics in England, recently announced by the government.

The local MP has been campaigning since the General Election to end such plastic use. 

In January 2021, Mr Loder proposed legislation in the House of Commons, aiming to change the law by introducing mandatory targets towards ending single use plastic consumption, and the resulting pollution.

Speaking at the time on his amendment, Mr Loder said: "The volume of plastic packaging in supermarkets is outrageously high and continues to rise. 

"We have become a grab and go, throw-away society; heavily influenced by supermarkets selling products packaged in single-use plastics, often with no other choice. 

"The problem is now so great here in the UK that up to two thirds of our plastic waste is shipped abroad to developing countries - 7,133 tonnes in September 2020 alone; and that has to stop.

"It's time to take decisive action on the scourge of plastic pollution and for supermarkets to take responsibility for the environmental disaster being caused by the single-use plastics on their shelves."

The MP has strongly welcomed the government announcement, believing a 'great step forward' has been made for safeguarding West Dorset's coastal waters.

The government's single-use plastic ban:

• Includes single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks, and some types of polystyrene cups and food containers
• From October 2023, retailers, takeaways, food vendors and the hospitability industry will not be allowed to sell these
• It does not include wet wipes or sachets - but the government says it is considering measures to address these
• Scotland and Wales introduced similar legislation in 2021

Speaking of the announcement, Mr Loder said: "I am in huge support of the government for introducing this decisive action that will be a great step forward in restoring the quality of our coastal water as well as our local environment more widely. 

"I called for precisely this course of action two years ago, and as MP I will continue doing all I can to ensure this move makes the impact I know it can."