I challenged the Government yesterday on whether they would keep pace with the European Union’s ambitious plans for reducing environmentally damaging products after the UK leaves the EU on 31st January, but they refused to commit to matching new EU standards on sustainable production. 

As part of a European Green Deal platform spearheaded by the new Commission President, the EU aims to work towards a greener, circular economy including extended producer responsibility, reducing energy use in production, repairable products and measures to address packaging and plastic waste. 

The Government keep claiming that they will legislate for world-leading environmental standards. Matching the new European Green Deal is a real test of that commitment and they’re backsliding already. I’m disappointed they won’t pledge to match the standards adopted by the rest of our continent and will continue to press the issue 

You can watch my question and the Secretary of State’s response below: