At the trade association’s Annual General Meeting in London, hosted by member Dentons, RA chief executive Ray Georgeson called for the new UK government to help realise the sector’s potential for growth by embracing “green-collar Conservatism”.
In his speech, Ray Georgeson told the AGM that the waste and resources sector needs “strong leadership and vision” from David Cameron’s government and called for a “clear and ambitious strategy for resources and the circular economy”.
Mr Georgeson explained that “no longer are our issues the preserve of environmentalists” and, with new ministers now appointed to Defra, DCLG and BIS, he explained that the “potential” of the industry could be realised if the government “is brave enough to lead the way”.
According to Mr Georgeson, the green economy has “consistently outperformed other parts of the economy on GDP increase and job creation” and highlighted the resource sector’s ability to “marry economic growth with good environmental performance”.
He said: “The Prime Minister has turned heads with his statement at the first cabinet meeting of the new government about embracing blue-collar Conservatism. We urge him to take this a stage further and rediscover his former zeal for environmental matters, but much more than simply environment, to turn his attention to green economic matters as well and turn his vision into one that we can call ‘green-collar Conservatism’.”
His comments follow those of waste management firm Viridor’s, which yesterday called for the government to “step up” in supporting the sector, highlighting fears that resources and waste policy has been “left in a state of flux”.
Viridor was responding to Defra and the Welsh Government’s consultation on waste crime – an issue which it said should be “front and centre” of the government’s priorities for the sector (see letsrecycle.com story).
RA board appointments
Also at the Resource Association AGM today, DS Smith’s Peter Clayson was confirmed as chairman of of the board for the coming year. He had already been acting as interim chairman since Jonathan Short, formerly of Eco Plastic, stepped down from the role in January (see letsrecycle.com story).
UPM’s Simon Walker and Paul Vanston from the Kent Resource Partnership were also welcomed back to the RA board for another year, while Mandy Kelly of Palm and Paul Smith of Coca-Cola Enterprises were appointed to the board for the first time.
Chris Dow of plastic recycler Closed Loop and Bryson Recycling’s Eric Randall have both stepped down from the RA board with “appreciation for their excellent service”, the Association said.
RA chairman Mr Clayson said he was “honoured” to be confirmed in the role for a “challenging and exciting year”.
He said: “With a new government, political developments in Scotland and of course a likely EU referendum we will need all the leadership we can get from government to guide our industry forward. We want to play our part is shaping our own future policy agenda and will remain fully engaged on all fronts.”
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