Greener upon Thames invites cross party support...

Local action can have a major impact on protecting our environment and that is why it gives me great pleasure to fully support Greener Upon Thames. Plastic bags take 400 years to degrade, and Britain alone uses eight billion a year, which is why we cannot wait any longer to take action. Supermarkets need to reduce packaging on goods and encourage the re-use of plastic bags. We need to make recycling more accessible by having places for packaging and plastics to be returned.

Both I and the Leader of Richmond Council Serge Lourie have joined forces to lend our full support to Greener Upon Thames. Local people want to get rid of the blight of plastic bags that litter our community. Kew village led the way in this last year and our borough has given high priority to the environment which is why we know that the community including traders will want to support this fantastic initiative.

I and Councillor Lourie intend to do whatever we can both in Westminster and more locally in the borough, using the platforms available to us and we have begun by initiating an Early Day Motion endorsing this campaign. It is always a proud moment for me when I can stand on the floor of the House of Commons to demonstrate that we in Richmond have again led the way in pursuing a healthier, more responsible world.

Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament, Susan Kramer & Council Leader Serge Lourie