Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales’ Wrexham-based European Leader has welcomed the vote in Parliament today to support a new European law on packaging and waste, but says it does not go far enough. Speaking after the vote in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Jill Evans MEP, who is a member of the Environment Committee, said:

"If this proposal becomes law, it will be a step forward. As well as targets for the recovery and recycling of waste, from 2004, producers of packaging will be responsible for minimising the effects on the environment.

"However, I do not believe that it goes far enough for people in Wales. As a long term campaigner on waste issues I have taken part in many meetings and discussions, particularly in communities affected by landfill and incineration. Waste reduction, recovery and recycling are clearly the way forward and people are demanding more and faster progress. Politicians must have the political will to stop putting obstacles in the way of progress.

"In counties like Rhondda Cynon Taf, where a ‘zero waste’ policy has been adopted and doorstep collection of recyclables takes place, people have reacted with enthusiasm and the participation rates are very high. Based on experiences in Wales I believe that we could have gone further.

"For example, my group in Parliament called for more emphasis on prevention of waste, but detailed proposals on this will not be brought out for another three years.

"I have just returned from the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. It is good to see the European Parliament leading on issues of sustainable development once again. But we have a long way to go if we are to make a real impact on the environment of our communities and world."

Diwedd/Ends.