But, letsrecycle.com has learnt from high-level sources that the UK government is still to come up with a clear stance on the EU’s Circular Economy Package and this is not expected to change until after a new Prime Minister is appointed on 9 September.
Prime Minister David Cameron, has yet to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which formally signals a Member States’ intention to withdraw from the EU, beginning a two-year period of exit negotiations.
Until Article 50 is set in motion – a process which is not likely to happen until at least a successor to the Prime Minister is appointed – the UK remains a full member of the Union.
Environment
Because of the lack of decision over the UK stance, it also remains unclear what the UK might have to comply with on the environmental front in order to continue free trade with the EU – including potentially measures set out within the Circular Economy Package.
Speaking to letsrecycle.com a spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “We remain a member of the EU until Article 50 negotiations have concluded.
“The Circular Economy is one of the many things we are involved in within Europe and will continue to be involved in representing the interests of the British public.”
Defra minister Rory Stewart attended a meeting of the EU’s Council of Ministers earlier this month, at which he outlined the UK’s view on the latest draft of the Package of measures to boost recycling and create a circular economy within Europe.
In March, Mr Stewart told ministers that the UK had ‘overarching concerns’ with the proposed targets, and said the UK was more excited about voluntary approaches to the circular economy and reducing the burden on businesses (see letsrecycle.com story). EU environment ministers are scheduled to hold an informal meeting in Bratislava next month (11 July).
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