Microbeads Ban helps ‘Keep Britain Green’

Michael has welcomed the Government’s decision to implement a full ban on microbeads.

The announcement was made by the Environment Secretary on Friday 21 July after a public consultation on microbeads, which are found in a wide range of personal care products including toothpastes.

Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic that are proven to have entered the world’s oceans where they are then swallowed by wildlife.

The ban will prevent microbeads from being manufactured and sold in the UK. Legislation to implement the ban will be introduced later this year, with the manufacturing ban due to become effective from 1 January 2018 and the sales ban to follow on 30 June 2018.

The announcement comes after figures that show plastic bag usage has fallen 83 per cent since the Government introduced the 5p plastic bag charge.

Michael said: ‘The UK has always been a leader in environmental protection.  We take our responsibility to marine life here and around the world very seriously.  Whether it’s banning microbeads or reducing plastic bag usage, I support this Government’s efforts to keep Britain green.’

COLUMN – Grammars Aren’t Gone

One of my first duties as the newly re-elected MP, having sworn in on the day of the State Opening of Parliament, was to discuss the contents of the Queen’s Speech on BBC South East.

There are many great initiatives in the Queen’s Speech that will benefit our area, including extra investment in our transport, bills that champion equality, and a plan to protect our agricultural industry.

However, as many will have noted, there is one conspicuous exclusion: our election plan to scrap the current ban on building new grammar schools.

Michael with KCC Project Manager Esther Larner, Weald of Kent Chair of Governors David Bower, Weald of Kent Headteacher Maureen Johnson, and Willmott Dixon Build Manager Alex Heath in 2016.
Michael with KCC Project Manager Esther Larner, Weald of Kent Chair of Governors David Bower, Weald of Kent Headteacher Maureen Johnson, and Willmott Dixon Build Manager Alex Heath in 2016.

Having campaigned for so long for more grammar provision in Sevenoaks, I am disappointed that the current grammar school legislation will continue at least for the next two years.  The constitution dictates that we must play the cards the electorate has dealt to us.  So, with a minority Government, it is important that we put forward the best deal for Britain.  That means amending slightly our manifesto commitments in the national interest to ensure they can be delivered in Parliament.

But rest assured, I remain committed to securing grammar provision here in Sevenoaks for boys, and we can do that without changing the law, by adding a boys’ annexe to the girls’ one at Wildernesse.

There is strong local demand for a boys’ grammar.  Sevenoaks is the only area in Kent without a grammar school, and there is substantial pressure on local school places.  Parents need more choice, and to travel back and forwards to Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells wastes time and money.

Later this year, I will be welcoming a young constituent and his class from Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys to Parliament.  I will be delighted to welcome the new class of girls from our Sevenoaks grammar annexe, too, after they start in September.