MPs from Wales have said a levy on single-use bags introduced in the country last October has been a success, as environmental groups call for a similar scheme in England. In Wales, retailers charge 5p per bag. As a result retailers estimate that the number of single-use bags issued has fallen by between 70% and 96%. Plaid Cymru MP Elfyn Llwyd said he now sees far more people using bags made from sustainable materials and far fewer using plastic bags. "I believe that it is fairly well accepted by most and I’m sure that as time goes by both retailers and shoppers will see the benefit," he added. "I am proud that Wales was the first country in the UK to introduce this as it can only be good for the environment." Jessica Morden MP, Labour MP for Newport East, said: "It is part of life now in Wales and it is amazing how quickly you get used to it, in fact it is strange how guilty you feel when you are offered a carrier bag when in England!" Tory MP Guto Bebb, who represents Aberconwy, said: "I think it is fair to conclude that the levy has been a success. "Yes, there are complaints but bag usage has fallen by 90% and more whilst shoppers are now arriving at supermarkets with their own reusable bags." Mark Williams, the Lib Dem MP for Ceredigion, said the levy has been "a great success in Wales". He added: "It is now a matter of course not to expect to be given large quantities of plastic bags in supermarkets, and I often have to remind myself where I am when I am in London and people offer me a plastic bag when in a shop. I am proud that Wales is leading the way in protecting the environment." The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), Keep Britain Tidy, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) are calling on the Government to introduce a similar ‘bag tax’ in England. Today they launched the ‘Break the Bag Habit’ campaign.
