British Democracy Forum - View Single Post - News: Marks and Spencer food hall plastic bag charges

Britannist · 07-05-2008, 08:21 AM

Opposition is growing to the Labour Government-promoted plastic bag charge being introduced at some shops. Yesterday (6.5.2008) Marks and Spencer started charging 5 pence for plastic bags in its food hall. Steve Allen’s programme on LBC FM (London independent news radio) said on 7.5.2008 reported there had been arguments at some supermarket check-outs when customers – some having spent a large amount - were told to pay 5 pence if they wanted a plastic bag.

The Labour Government foolishly thinks that pressurising supermarkets into charging for plastic bags will reduce usage of plastic bags. However, many people use the plastic bags as bin-liners and are now going out to purchase plastic bin-liners rather than pay supermarket charges for plastic bags.

Plastic bags are made from a by-product at petrol refineries and the by-product will go to waste if it is not used to produce the bags.

David Reynold of Redbourn in Hertfordshire, wrote in the Daily Telegraph of 1.3.2008 (letters page) “When Marks and Spencer start charging for its plastic bags (report 28.2.2008) I will take along a supply of down-market bags, and Marks and Spencer will lose the free advertising it now enjoys.”

Mike Mendoza, presenter, said on Talksport radio at 1.36 am on 6.5.2008 “I won’t go to Marks and Spencer until the plastic bag charge in its food section ends. Why should I pay Marks and Spencer for a plastic bag to advertise Marks and Spencer? People should take another bag. I’ve handed my Marks and Spencer card back.”

Johnny Ball, the former television presenter, said on LBC 1152 AM (independent news radio in London) at 4.02 am on 6.5.2008 “This plastic bag charge is ridiculous – all that money comes from consumers who cannot all afford it. This is the problem of the irrationality of chasing green issues too far.”

Nick Ferrari, presenter, said on LBC FM (independent news radio in London) at 9.07 am on 6.5.2007 “The boycott starts now. Gone are the days when I’ll do a big shop there (at Marks and Spencer). I’ll still do a small shop there - I’ll buy small items but I’m not walking in there with a plastic bag from another supermarket like a sad person. They are going to charge us for the privilege of using one of their bags – one of those flimsy things which doesn’t last seconds. The charging is ludicrous, crazy, barmy, nuts.”

The Daily Telegraph reported on 3.5.2008 “A plastic bag tax introduced in the Irish Republic in 2002, reduced the number of bags per head from 328 to 21 a year but that figure has started to climb and sales of plastic bin liners and paper bags have grown - sales of plastic bags have since grown fourfold.”

07-05-2008, 08:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
Britannist Uber Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: London Posts: 22,896	Marks and Spencer food hall plastic bag charges - opposition to charges grows Opposition is growing to the Labour Government-promoted plastic bag charge being introduced at some shops. Yesterday (6.5.2008) Marks and Spencer started charging 5 pence for plastic bags in its food hall. Steve Allen’s programme on LBC FM (London independent news radio) said on 7.5.2008 reported there had been arguments at some supermarket check-outs when customers – some having spent a large amount - were told to pay 5 pence if they wanted a plastic bag. The Labour Government foolishly thinks that pressurising supermarkets into charging for plastic bags will reduce usage of plastic bags. However, many people use the plastic bags as bin-liners and are now going out to purchase plastic bin-liners rather than pay supermarket charges for plastic bags. Plastic bags are made from a by-product at petrol refineries and the by-product will go to waste if it is not used to produce the bags. David Reynold of Redbourn in Hertfordshire, wrote in the Daily Telegraph of 1.3.2008 (letters page) “When Marks and Spencer start charging for its plastic bags (report 28.2.2008) I will take along a supply of down-market bags, and Marks and Spencer will lose the free advertising it now enjoys.” Mike Mendoza, presenter, said on Talksport radio at 1.36 am on 6.5.2008 “I won’t go to Marks and Spencer until the plastic bag charge in its food section ends. Why should I pay Marks and Spencer for a plastic bag to advertise Marks and Spencer? People should take another bag. I’ve handed my Marks and Spencer card back.” Johnny Ball, the former television presenter, said on LBC 1152 AM (independent news radio in London) at 4.02 am on 6.5.2008 “This plastic bag charge is ridiculous – all that money comes from consumers who cannot all afford it. This is the problem of the irrationality of chasing green issues too far.” Nick Ferrari, presenter, said on LBC FM (independent news radio in London) at 9.07 am on 6.5.2007 “The boycott starts now. Gone are the days when I’ll do a big shop there (at Marks and Spencer). I’ll still do a small shop there - I’ll buy small items but I’m not walking in there with a plastic bag from another supermarket like a sad person. They are going to charge us for the privilege of using one of their bags – one of those flimsy things which doesn’t last seconds. The charging is ludicrous, crazy, barmy, nuts.” The Daily Telegraph reported on 3.5.2008 “A plastic bag tax introduced in the Irish Republic in 2002, reduced the number of bags per head from 328 to 21 a year but that figure has started to climb and sales of plastic bin liners and paper bags have grown - sales of plastic bags have since grown fourfold.” Last edited by Britannist; 07-05-2008 at 08:26 AM.