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North-east Tory U-turns over glass recycling scheme and blames Scottish Government for failure

On paper it seemed simple to get the 'deposit return scheme' up and running, but it’s turned into a bitter battle over power, competence and the future of devolution.

Maurice Golden previously said glass should be in a Scottish recycling scheme. Image: Richard Gardner.
Maurice Golden previously said glass should be in a Scottish recycling scheme. Image: Richard Gardner.

A Conservative MSP who said glass should be included in a Scottish recycling scheme has defended a U-turn after the UK government vetoed the proposal.

Maurice Golden previously said the delayed Deposit Return Scheme must cover glass to be done “properly”.

Four years later, the UK Tory government has refused to green-light the full Scottish plan.

Now Mr Golden says: “Removing glass at this stage simplifies the scheme, perhaps builds more confidence in the scheme and allows us to salvage some form of launch.”

What changed?

The early plan was approved in 2020 at the Scottish Parliament. The intention is to add a 20p deposit to containers including glass, some plastic and cans, which customers get back at new return points.

It has since been delayed by the Scottish Government multiple times and caused a backlash from some drinks firms and retailers over potential trade barriers with England.

Westminster stepped into the devolved legislation saying it needs to keep a level playing field with England and Northern Irish proposals due in the next few years.

Westminster is starting to block us at every turn.

– Lorna Slater

Wales still plans to include glass, sparking another round of arguments about “respect” for devolution.

Tory defends U-turn

Mr Golden, who represents the North East region, defended his revised opinion, saying: “Since the position four years ago what we’ve seen is that industry has lost support for the scheme in Scotland.

“Consumers are increasingly concerned and ultimately what I’m proposing is that we salvage the scheme.

“I think from listening to businesses that unfortunately does not include glass at this stage.”

He also said: “The reality is the SNP-Greens have made such a mess of things that the current scheme is unrecognisable from the one envisaged four years ago.”

Lorna Slater at Dunfermline Recycling Centre

Green MSP and government minister Lorna Slater, who is in charge of the Scottish scheme, accused the UK Government of blocking Holyrood at every turn.

Ms Slater said: “We should absolutely be using the powers of devolution to prevent waste and litter, to tackle environmental issues and social issues. That’s what it’s for.

“Westminster is starting to block us at every turn, on equalities issues, on environmental issues, this is a disastrous way forward and is disrespectful to Scotland.”

Letter to Humza Yousaf

The latest development to the delayed project came on Friday night when the UK Government wrote to First Minister Humza Yousaf.

Responding, he said: “The Westminster Government is not just trying to scupper the Deposit Return Scheme – they’re trying to undermine devolution.”

He was told that for the scheme to go ahead it could only include plastic bottles, and aluminium and steel cans.

The Scottish Government had been forced to ask for an exemption from the UK Internal Market Act because of the divergence with England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It is a direct result of Brexit and is seen by the SNP as a way for the Conservative UK Government to step in to devolved areas.

Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said the feuding governments are not helping business.

Businesses have already made hundreds of millions of investments already,” she said.

“They need certainty from the Scottish Government, not dithering.”

Keith Brown slammed the UK Government. Image: Sandy McCook.

The SNP’s Keith Brown said devolution is under attack.

“This is being presented as an agreement from the UK government- this is dishonest,” he said.

“The Tories have created a poison pill to shamelessly undermine Scotland’s DRS Legislation. It is even doubtful whether they truly want to see it enacted.”

A UK Government spokesman said it is upholding the UK’s “internal market” while listening to business concerns.

“Deposit Return Schemes need to be consistent across the UK and this is the best way to provide a simple and effective system,” the government said.

Conversation