Dear Ministers responsible for plastic waste and circular economy for the UK,

I have just seen the results of The Big Plastic Count 2026, a national campaign which invites people to count their plastic waste for one week.

I was shocked to learn that UK households are throwing away 82 billion pieces of plastic every year - and that most of that (59%) is being burnt, not recycled. This is not a problem caused by individual behaviour, but by systemic failure and I'm angry and frustrated at the continued lack of action from governments across the UK, in spite of years of evidence and public concern.

Despite repeated promises and strategies, the pace of government action on tackling the plastics crisis remains far too slow, while plastic production is set to triple by 2060.

The Big Plastic Count stats make it clear - the majority of the plastic we throw away (82%) comes from food and drink packaging, and we’re throwing away an estimated 13 billion pieces of fruit and veg packaging every year. This is because plastic waste is effectively being forced upon us as we shop at the supermarket.

Households in the UK are throwing away an estimated 13 billion pieces of fruit and veg packaging every year. Plastic packaging on uncut fruit and vegetables is unnecessary and unpopular. Many items already have their own natural protection, yet are still sold wrapped in plastic that is thrown away almost immediately. Removing it would be a practical, visible step towards a low-waste economy and a departure from throwaway culture.

The Big Plastic Count revealed that 59% of the plastic we throw away is being burned at incineration facilities across the UK. These facilities are ten times more likely to be built in the country's most underserved neighbourhoods - meaning more air pollution and higher health risks for communities already hit hardest by inequality.

Tackling the plastics crisis can only happen if we cut plastic production. To do so, we need to address the UK's overreliance on throwaway plastic packaging. As practical first steps towards this, I support The Big Plastic Count in asking you to…

• Remove plastic packaging from uncut fruit and vegetables by 2030.
• Stop the construction of any new waste incinerators immediately across the UK, following the lead of Scotland and Wales.
• End the export of UK plastic waste to other countries.

Tens of thousands of people took part in The Big Plastic Count, showing their demand for change. It is now time for the government to act with the urgency this crisis demands. I would welcome a clear response setting out what action your government will take to tackle the UK’s big plastic problem.

Thank you,