Local Liberal Democrat Euro MP claims 'plastic bag tax victory'

4.09.42pm GMT Wed 12th Mar 2008

Diana launches her 'tax the bag' campaign in Leeds in November 2005 with Alan Williams, an activist from Haltemprice & Howden

Local Liberal Democrat Euro MP, Diana Wallis, who has been campaigning for the introduction of a small tax on plastic bags in order to discourage their use, is claiming a victory after the Chancellor's statement in today's budget.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that a levy would be introduced on plastic bags as in other countries by 2009 unless supermarkets do it themselves. The money raised going towards environmental projects. This is exactly what Diana Wallis MEP has been arguing for since launching her 'tax the bag' campaign in Leeds in November 2005.

Diana Wallis MEP said:

"I have taken my plastic bag campaign throughout Yorkshire and the Humber over the past two and a half years. It is clear that a small tax of say 5-10p as in other countries like Ireland and Belgium is a popular move with people.

"I am delighted that the Government has finally listened to public opinion and is forcing the retailers to take action with a threat of legislation if not. This is a victory for environmental campaigners everywhere who have taken up the campaign to 'axe the plastic bag mountain'.

It is estimated that every year there are one billion plastic bags distributed in Yorkshire and the Humber alone.