The delayed Environment Bill contains crucial measures for the waste and recycling sector, including provision for consistency in collections, reform of the producer responsibility system for packaging and a deposit return scheme.
It also sets out a ban on plastic exports to non-OECD countries.
It was supposed to be enshrined during the last parliamentary session, but was delayed due to “exceptional pressure on the parliamentary timetable which has reduced the amount of parliamentary time available for the scrutiny of legislation” (see letsrecycle.com story).
In light of the pandemic the State Opening was adapted, with reduced ceremonial elements and attendees.
The relevant part of the Queen’s speech can be seen in the extract from Parliament TV below.
Queen’s State Opening of Parliament 2021The from letsrecycle.com on Vimeo.
Environment
Touching on the government’s Environment Bill, the Queen said: “My government will create and invest in new green industries to create jobs while protecting the environment. The United Kingdom is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and will continue to lead the way internationally by hosting the COP 26 summit in Glasgow.
“Legislation will set binding environmental targets and will also be brought forward to ensure the United Kingdom has the highest standards of environment welfare.”
Other policies outlined by the Queen for the next session were on NHS funding, infrastructure, education and home ownership.
Session
A Downing Street spokesperson said shortly before the event: “It is important we take forward our plans and deliver policies to improve the lives of people across the country through a new parliamentary session.”
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