Scotland faces backlash over its circular economy bill including a ‘fish and chip tax’, struggles to meet emission reduction targets, and implements a policy banning rainbow lanyards in parliament.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Green Party’s proposed “fish and chip tax” in Scotland, part of a circular economy bill by Green Party MSP Lorna Slater, has ignited controversy. Aimed at pushing recycling initiatives, including a levy on non-reusable coffee cups and fines for improper waste disposal, the proposal has faced backlash over concerns of government overreach and its vague details. Critics, including Scottish Tory MSP Graham Simpson and SNP Maurice Golden, argue the bill could hurt businesses and lacks a clear plan for achieving environmental goals. Despite the opposition, Slater defends the bill as a significant move towards sustainability.
Simultaneously, Scotland’s failure to meet its ambitious emission reduction targets has been spotlighted by the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC). The committee’s report criticizes the Scottish government for not having a tangible plan to achieve a 75% emission reduction by 2030, branding it “no longer credible”. With various sectors lagging behind in their emission cuts, entities like Oxfam and Friends of the Earth Scotland have expressed doubts about the government’s commitment to its climate goals. The CCC urges drastic emission cuts and a reevaluation of Scotland’s climate strategies, with the Scottish government aiming for net-zero emissions by 2045.
Further, the Scottish Parliament has implemented a new policy banning the wear of rainbow lanyards or accessories supporting social movements by its staff to maintain impartiality. Announced by MSP Claire Baker, this guideline mandates the wearing of a generic purple lanyard, emphasizing fairness and equality. The decision excludes MSPs and their staff but applies to all other parliamentary employees. This movement towards neutrality has garnered criticism, including from Jamie Greene MSP, especially considering the parliament’s previous apology for a related incident in November 2022, involving the removal of a woman for wearing a suffragette-coloured scarf.