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Campaign to ban single-use, disposable face masks launched
The RSPCA has reported nearly 1000 incidents of animals becoming caught in litter across 2020.

Non-recyclable face masks pose a 'significant' threat to UK wildlife

Commercial recycling company Tradewaste has created a petition urging the Government to ban 'environmentally damaging' disposable face masks.

The company states that it is not asking the Government to completely ban the sale of these disposable face masks, as they play an important role in the medical field and in helping to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, single-use, non-recyclable face masks present a 'significant threat' to Britain's wildlife and environment.

Tradewaste.co.uk predicts that – if wearing face masks is mandatory throughout 2021 – the UK will send 19.2 million face masks to landfill.

The RSPCA has reported nearly 1000 incidents of animals becoming caught in litter across 2020 and the charity has expressed concerns that discarded face masks are a new significant hazard, particularly to wild animals and birds.

Charlotte Green from Tradewaste.co.uk said: “It’s really important to consider the wider impact of the single-use face masks we all wear, they are thrown away in streets, ending up in watercourses, rivers and the sea – that’s why we are supporting a new petition on the Government to ban their sale to the general public.

“We are promoting the petition to raise awareness of the environmental problems created by single use face masks, and also to offer an alternative to those worried about the harm cause to wildlife and the impact on the environment in the UK.”

The campaign is aiming to reach 100,000 signatures by the end of 2020 to slow the consumption of disposable face masks. Once the petition reaches this number, it will be discussed in Parliament.

A link to the petition can be found here.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.