MP puts forward anti-waste incinerator bill

An MP has put forward a bill proposing to stop the building of new waste incinerators.

The MP for South West Wiltshire, Conservative Dr Andrew Murrison, has long been opposed to waste incineration due to plans in his constituency for a new one in Westbury.

He made a speech earlier in the House of Commons under the 10-minute rule, which allows MPs to ask to bring in new bills.

Dr Murrison said he would drop the bill if something similar was announced in the budget on Wednesday. The government has put in tougher rules on new incinerators, but they do not apply to those already with permission, whereas this bill would.

Northacre Renewable Energy said the Westbury incinerator would power thousands of homes and was a "safe, sustainable solution" that would be "strictly regulated" by the Environment Agency.

Dr Murrison said he had support from MPs across parties.

In his speech, he explained he also wanted the bill to tax the practice of incinerating waste and change the way council contracts with incinerators work.

He referenced analysis by the government indicating there was already more capacity than would be needed in 10 years' time.

"I'd be very pleased if the government just announced a consultation because if it did that then I think that is tantamount really to signalling that it wants to see these things brought to an end and certainly no more built," he said after the speech.

It is difficult for MPs to see 10-minute bills become law, but they often put pressure on the government to change policy.

"I've been at this now for several years with local and national campaigners and I'm not planning to give up," Dr Murrison added.

The bill is scheduled for a second reading in January.

The planned waste-to-energy incinerator in Dr Murrison's constituency got permission from the government's planning inspectorate in 2023, after initial refusal by Wiltshire Council and campaigning from locals.

Northacre Renewable Energy said incinerators produce fewer emissions than other forms of waste treatment.

Construction has only recently started on Westbury site, with the building of an earth bund.

The company said there would be more movement from next spring.

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