MP and Environment Minister Rebecca Pow has been working with global leaders on an ambitious worldwide treaty to end plastic pollution.

The treaty is aimed at ending plastic pollution by 2040 and Ms Pow hopes it can be agreed by the end of this year.

The UK has pushed for a strong and comprehensive agreement covering the whole lifecycle of plastics, including restraining and reducing the production and consumption of plastic to sustainable levels, promoting a circular economy for plastic, managing plastic waste in an environmentally sound and safe manner, and preventing and reducing releases of plastics into the environment.

The United Nations Environment Assembly Resolution set a timetable for agreement of an international, legally-binding plastics treaty by the end of 2024.

Ms Pow said: “I attended the latest round of negotiations on the International Plastics Treaty representing the UK Government alongside fellow environment ministers from across the globe.

“With plastics in the ocean set to treble by 2040, we must act fast to stem this unacceptable tide of pollution, which is why the treaty is so crucial.

“As a member of the High Ambition Coalition, the UK has continued to push for an ambitious treaty covering the full lifecycle of plastics.

“There remain substantial differences between parties on the level of ambition for the treaty, which has meant that progress has been slower than we would have hoped on some key areas.

“Nonetheless, the UK was able to incorporate its proposal on problematic and avoidable plastics into the draft treaty text, and we are pleased that countries have agreed to progress these plans in the coming months.

“There remains significant work to do to secure an agreement at the final negotiations in November, and the UK is committed to securing the best outcome for our oceans, communities, and wildlife.”

UK Ministers have already committed to work toward all plastic packaging on the market being recyclable or reusable by 2025.

Ms Pow said: “Locally, I know that there is much support for cutting plastic that harms the environment and for the measures this Government has already taken to address plastic pollution.”