DRS could also be scrapped subsequent week if UK Government doesn’t again down, Yousaf hints
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cotland’s deposit return scheme (DRS) might be scrapped as early as subsequent week if the UK Government doesn’t again down, First Minister Humza Yousaf has stated.
Mr Yousaf wrote to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Saturday, saying the choice to successfully take away glass containers from the scheme – which is because of go stay in March of subsequent 12 months – put it in “grave danger”.
He urged the Prime Minister to stroll again the earlier determination made by his ministers final week, urging him to reply by Monday, forward of a Scottish cupboard assembly on Tuesday, the place the scheme will be mentioned.
Asked if Scottish ministers might decide to scrap the scheme, the First Minister instructed the PA news company in his Glasgow Pollok constituency: “I struggle to see it going ahead, and therefore the UK Government have a real choice here.
“They either agree to the full exemption, which is of course the regulations passed by the Scottish Parliament, or they’re in danger of sinking this scheme in its entirety.
“That wouldn’t be good for the environment, not good of course for businesses… certainly not good for all of us that want to see litter off our streets, off our parks and our beaches.”
Asked if such a choice might come down this week, the First Minister added: “I’m hoping the UK Government see sense, I’m hoping that they listen.”
The First Minister urged Westminster to take heed to Scottish companies, pinpointing C&C Group – one of many greatest brewers within the nation and the corporate behind Tennent’s Lager – who stated excluding glass from the scheme will endanger jobs.
The SNP has traditionally been at odds with UK governments given the distinction in constitutional stances, with the connection branching into outright hostility at instances lately.
But requested if the DRS had descended right into a constitutional battle between two entrenched sides, the First Minister stated: “I think it’s really unfair to describe it that way, because what we’ve done is play by the rules.”
The Scottish Government, he stated, handed the rules by Holyrood and the DRS falls throughout the powers of the Scottish Parliament.
“What the UK Government has done is make it a constitutional fight by invoking the Internal Market Act, something they didn’t have to do, but chose to do,” he stated.
In his letter, the First Minister wrote: “There are much wider consequences of the decision.
“This UK Government intervention at such a late stage demonstrates a major erosion of the devolution settlement.
“I urge you to revoke the conditions set out in your letter and grant a full exclusion for Scotland’s DRS, to be implemented as per the regulations agreed by the Scottish Parliament in this area of devolved competence.”
The Scotland Office stated it might reply to the First Minister’s letter sooner or later, with a spokeswoman including: “The Government remains unwavering in its commitment to improving the environment while also upholding the UK’s internal market.
“The drinks industry has raised concerns about the Scottish Government’s DRS differing from plans in the rest of the UK, resulting in the Scottish Government reviewing and pausing their scheme earlier this year.
“We have listened to these concerns and that is why we have accepted the Scottish Government’s request for a UK internal market (UKIM) exclusion on a temporary and limited basis to ensure the Scottish Government’s scheme aligns with planned schemes for the rest of the UK.
“Deposit return schemes need to be consistent across the UK and this is the best way to provide a simple and effective system.
“A system with the same rules for the whole UK will increase recycling collection rates and reduce litter – as well as minimise disruption to the drinks industry and ensure simplicity for consumers.”