Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine seeks clarity over Deposit Return Scheme

Liberal Democrat Scotland Spokesperson Christine Jardine has written to the Chair of the Office for the Internal Market to assess the process for a dispute resolution over the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Scotland.

Hundreds of Scottish businesses have voiced their concerns over the cost of the scheme and Aiden McNeil KC has warned of the impact on their competitiveness in the UK internal market.

Last month, it was reported that the UK Government planned to block DRS in Scotland and last week First Minister Hamza Yousaf announced the Scottish Parliament scheme had been put on hold until March 2024.

Ms Jardine wants an agreement to be brokered between the two Governments that satisfies business and ensures the case for a scheme is not undermined.

She said:

“Scottish Liberal Democrats have always supported a deposit return scheme to protect the environment by reducing waste, emissions and litter. In fact, we were the first party to suggest it.

“However, I am concerned that the current unworkable proposal from the Scottish Government does not address these environmental concerns while also agitating Scottish businesses and causing an impasse between both of our governments.

“It is in the best interests of everyone to have a scheme system that works. This includes ensuring that Scottish retailers and producers in Scotland, particularly those that are small and medium sized, are not at a competitive disadvantage.

“That is why I have written to the independent Office for the Internal Market to provide assurances over the process for a dispute resolution mechanism. It is in all of our interests to find a solution.”