South Leicestershire MP steps up efforts to crack down on dangerous microplastics in a bid to protect the environment

Alberto Costa MP with Ann Jones from the WI.

South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa is to step up efforts to crack down on dangerous microplastics in a bid to protect the environment.

Alberto will chair a new cross-party group in Parliament in an attempt to reduce the harmful effects of microplastics.

The Conservative MP is working with the National Federation of Women’s Institutes to create the new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Microplastics.

They will aim to promote awareness of microfibre plastics and their damaging effects on the environment.

The group will be made up of MPs and Peers from all parties.

They will work to ensure collaboration across various sectors to reduce the effects of microfibres on the environment.

Alberto said: “I am delighted to be chairing this new cross-party APPG on microplastics.

“Both these and microfibres are a huge problem that have deeply-damaging effects on the marine environment.

“Once the damage has been done to our oceans and environment there is no going back.”

He added: “I very much look forward to the group beginning our work on this, alongside the brilliant WI.

“The group will aim to work with various sectors of industry to explore possible interventions to stop these microplastics at their source and to stop them escaping into our oceans.

“New washing machine filters are one way of catching microfibres to stop them being released into our water way.

“France is leading the way on legislation in this area and this may be an option to help reduce the harmful effects of microfibres.

“Businesses and consumers also have a responsibility and more awareness needs to be raised in this area.

“So I do look forward to taking this matter in Parliament in the hope that real change can be achieved soon.”

Microfibres are a major source of microplastic pollution. These are particles smaller than 5mm that are shed from synthetic clothing when worn and laundered.

They are classed as the third-largest primary source of microplastic pollution after vehicle tyre dust and plastic pellet spills.