UK MPs Call for Tougher Global Treaty on Plastic Pollution Ahead of Geneva Talks

MPs on the UK Government’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee are urging negotiators to push for a stronger, more ambitious global treaty on plastic pollution at next month’s talks in Geneva. In a letter sent to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Committee emphasised the importance of securing firm commitments, particularly in reducing plastic production. They highlighted how previous efforts have failed, primarily due to disagreements and a lack of meaningful progress on key targets.

The Global Plastics Treaty, first proposed at the United Nations in 2022, aims to limit plastic production on a worldwide scale. Earlier negotiations fell short, mainly due to time constraints and unresolved tensions over how goals should be set and monitored. One of the most significant sticking points has been disagreement over the nature and enforcement of global reduction targets.

In their latest letter, the EFRA Committee laid out several key recommendations. At the top of the list is a push for legally binding targets to reduce the production and use of primary plastics. The MPs warned that the UK should walk away from any deal that doesn’t include this critical element.

The Committee is also advocating for a ban on harmful plastic products and toxic chemicals, urging negotiators to push for a dedicated clause to phase them out. Another primary recommendation involves introducing global design standards, ones that prioritise reuse and recyclability, so plastic products can be made with circularity and sustainability in mind from the outset.

To ensure policy keeps pace with science, the letter also recommends the creation of an independent standing science panel. Such a body would monitor emerging evidence and ensure that up-to-date data and research guide treaty decisions.

Transparency and inclusivity were also emphasised. The Committee stated that negotiations should be conducted to the highest standards of openness, allowing for broader engagement and public accountability throughout the process.

Financing was another area of concern. The Committee highlighted the limitations of the current Global Environment Facility, noting that it may fall short in supporting the Global South, regions that are often the most severely affected by plastic pollution. In response, the MPs are proposing the creation of a new, dedicated fund to ensure all countries have the resources they need to meet the treaty’s goals.

The Global Environment Facility, which has been in existence since 1991, operates with a budget of just over $ 5 billion for the 2022-2026 period. Its remit covers a wide range of environmental issues, from managing waste and chemicals to protecting marine ecosystems. However, with numerous priorities competing for limited funding, the Committee believes that a more focused financial mechanism is urgently needed if the plastics treaty is to succeed.