Ahead of crucial UN negotiations in Geneva next month, a cross-party committee of MPs has urged the Government to push for legally binding targets to reduce plastic production and ensure protections for scientists and environmental integrity in the treaty process.
MPs have called on the UK Government to take a tougher stance in upcoming UN negotiations on a Global Plastics Treaty, stressing that any final agreement must include legally binding targets to cut plastic production.
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee has written to Defra Minister Emma Hardy, urging the UK delegation to push for “ambitious and binding commitments” at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) talks in Geneva this August.
We are convinced that legally binding targets for reducing production of primary plastics are essential if the tide is to be turned on plastic pollution
The call follows a public evidence session held on 8 July, in which MPs heard from experts, environmental campaigners, and industry representatives.
In its letter, the committee warned that plastic production is “escalating away at an exponential rate from our ability to manage that waste” and that reduction targets are essential to tackling the crisis.
“We are convinced that legally binding targets for reducing production of primary plastics are essential if the tide is to be turned on plastic pollution,” the MPs wrote, adding that the Government should not sign any treaty that omits such targets.
Science under pressure
MPs also raised concerns about the treatment of scientists participating in the negotiations. The committee said it had heard disturbing reports of “significant pressure and, in some cases, reported threats” aimed at independent experts involved in shaping the treaty.
EFRA Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael MP said: “During our gathering of evidence, we were disturbed to hear that independent scientists taking part in the treaty negotiations can face significant pressure and, in some cases, even reported threats. The UK delegation must champion the highest standards of openness and transparency at the negotiations, and it should call out any behaviour witnessed which falls short of this.”
The committee emphasised the need for scientific integrity to underpin treaty outcomes, recommending the creation of a standing, independent science panel to provide evidence-based guidance and monitor progress over time.
Design standards, chemicals, and funding gaps
Beyond production cuts, the MPs are calling for strong international design standards to maximise reusability and recyclability, and a clear commitment to eliminate harmful chemicals and problematic plastic products.
The committee recommends banning entire chemical groupings known to be hazardous and phasing out harmful plastics, while ensuring that alternatives meet the same safety and environmental criteria to avoid unintended consequences.
On financing, the letter raises concerns about the suitability of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as a funding mechanism, particularly for countries in the Global South. The committee supports the creation of a dedicated financial facility to ensure that all parties, especially those most affected by plastic pollution, are able to meet treaty obligations.
A global problem requiring global ambition
Carmichael said the failure of previous talks in November to secure an agreement underscored the need for stronger political will.
“In 2022, our predecessor committee found that global plastic waste was forecast to almost triple by 2060. At the time, it welcomed the fact that the then Government had signed up to the UN’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, to reach a legally binding agreement to address the problem,” he said.
“As we look ahead to the talks in Geneva in August, it is essential that our Government pushes for the inclusion of targets to reduce the production of plastic and it should refuse to sign any treaty that does not contain this key commitment.”
The letter concludes by urging the UK delegation to advocate for transparency and inclusivity during the negotiations, warning against undue industry influence and stressing the need for a bold, science-led approach to solving plastic pollution.
The Geneva round of negotiations is scheduled to begin in August, with countries aiming to reach consensus on a final text for a legally binding global treaty by the end of 2025.
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