Downing Street resorts to environmental blackmail over DRS
Downing Street is putting narrow party politics ahead of our environment, say the Scottish Greens.
The UK government has said it will only allow the Deposit Return Scheme the Scottish Parliament voted for to go ahead if glass is excluded from it.
The Scottish Greens environment spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP, said:
"This is environmental blackmail.
“They are putting their own narrow party political agenda ahead of our environment and our democracy. It is utterly shameful.
"There are more than 50 can and bottle deposit schemes around the world. They operate well and the vast majority of them include glass, for the very obvious environmental benefits.
"Rishi Sunak, Alister Jack and every other Tory MP was elected on a manifesto that pledged to create a Deposit Return Scheme that included glass - now they are trying to stop Scotland from doing just that.
- LISTEN: Mark Ruskell MSP on why Downing St is resorting to environmental blackmail over Scotland's DRS
"At least 550 million glass bottles are sold in Scotland every year. Why wouldn't we include them in a recycling scheme?
"It is not too late for the Prime Minister to recognise the importance of including glass and of upholding our democracy.
“For the sake of our environment and generations to come, I urge him to think again."
