British MPs and celebrities are intensifying their efforts to instigate a legislative ban on peat sales, aiming to safeguard peatlands before the next general election. The campaign focuses on halting the environmental damage from peat extraction and promoting sustainable horticulture.
UK MPs and celebrities are campaigning for a legislative ban on the sale of peat in the UK to protect and preserve peatland environments. Peatlands, recognized for their biodiversity and ability to store significant amounts of carbon, are often harmed by extraction for garden peat products. Prominent campaigners including TV presenter Iolo Williams and actress Alison Steadman, alongside Conservative MPs like Tim Loughton, are advocating for the implementation of this ban before the next general election. A Private Members’ Bill proposed by Theresa Villiers, a former environment secretary, is also seeking to legislate this ban, a pledge that was originally targeted for 2024.
Despite previous commitments from the UK and Welsh Governments, the actual enactment of this ban has been delayed. The proposed legislation is emphasized by its backers as a necessary action to cut down on the environmental destruction caused by peat extraction. The Royal Horticultural Society along with several MPs highlight the easy availability of peat-free alternatives for gardeners, urging a shift towards more sustainable horticulture practices.
Peatlands are essential for their function in flood prevention, wildlife support, and particularly in carbon storage, holding more carbon than the forests of the UK, France, and Germany combined. Addressing a public consultation on the matter, 95% of respondents backed the ban, demonstrating strong public support for protecting these natural habitats.
The upcoming second reading of the bill will reveal the government’s current stance on the issue, determining the future protection and restoration efforts for the UK’s peatlands, while aligning with broader climate goals.
