Supported by a number of MPs across the party divides, including Zero Waste campaigner Sue Doughty, Liberal Democrat shadow environment secretary Norman Baker and former minister Glenda Jackson, the Bill received its first reading yesterday afternoon. The Bill will now be printed and is to have a second reading in the Commons on March 14, 2003.
Speaking to letsrecycle.com just before she introduced the Bill, Ms Ruddock said: “We start with a very positive backlog of support. Friends of the Earth, who have championed the idea of such a Bill, have been canvassing and now have the support of about 150 local authorities so far, so it looks very promising. There have also been early day motions in the House of Commons on the issue, which have drawn the support of hundreds of MPs.”
Doorstep
Unofficially known as the 'D;oorstep Recycling Bill', the key question for its success is whether the government will lend its support – either fully endorsing it as a government or by allowing its majority of MPs to vote for it.
“At the outset, governments are always apprehensive about bills that are not their own idea,” Mr Ruddock explained. “At this stage, the government hasn't promised me their support, but it has its targets for recycling that need to be reached. It will be a process of negotiation with the government and I'm hoping there will be a meeting of minds along the way.”
She continued: “It has to be very carefully thought through, with the right pace for introducing measures for local authorities, the right funding and workable interim targets. The details will have to be discussed a great deal before March, but my intention is to work with the government to ensure its support.”
Rally
Friends of the Earth has already organised a 'Waste No More' Parliamentary lobby and rally for January 22, 2003. Speakers will address the rally on waste issues and there will be a chance for attendees to ask their local MPs to support the new Bill.
A spokesman from the environmental group said: “It's an opportunity for people to get together and lobby their MPs so they turn up on the day to support the Bill. We know the government has been talking about increasing recycling, and we know that hundreds of MPs have signed Early Day Motions on this issue, so we will be reminding those MPs about their pledges.”
He added: “Now's their chance to put their votes where their mouths are.”
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for more information about the Friends of the Earth campaign supporting the Municipal Waste Recycling Bill.
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