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MSP ditches plastic bag tax bill MSP ditches plastic bag tax bill
(about 11 hours later)
An MSP who drew up proposals to charge a 10p levy on plastic bags has withdrawn his bill from Holyrood.An MSP who drew up proposals to charge a 10p levy on plastic bags has withdrawn his bill from Holyrood.
Mike Pringle MSP said he made the decision because major improvements had already been made as a result of public debate provoked by the bill. Lib Dem MSP Mike Pringle said he made the decision because major improvements had already been made as a result of public debate provoked by the bill.
His plans had been rejected by the environment committee last month. The backbencher's bill was dismissed by the environment committee last month.
Environment Minister Ross Finnie praised Mr Pringle's work and said a new waste prevention plan would look at the issue of bags.Environment Minister Ross Finnie praised Mr Pringle's work and said a new waste prevention plan would look at the issue of bags.
Mr Pringle said a range of retailers including Ikea, B&Q, the Co-op and Tesco were all now committed to bag reduction across the UK. Mr Pringle, MSP for the Edinburgh South constituency, said a range of retailers including Ikea, B&Q, the Co-op and Tesco were all now committed to bag reduction across the UK.
"My bill has had a huge impact on supermarkets across the UK," he said. "It has put it firmly on the supermarkets' and executive's agenda."My bill has had a huge impact on supermarkets across the UK," he said. "It has put it firmly on the supermarkets' and executive's agenda.
"Withdrawing this bill now puts the ball firmly in the Scottish Executive's court.""Withdrawing this bill now puts the ball firmly in the Scottish Executive's court."
Mr Finnie said he hoped retailers would sign up to a new voluntary code, but warned that legislation would be introduced if improvements were not made.Mr Finnie said he hoped retailers would sign up to a new voluntary code, but warned that legislation would be introduced if improvements were not made.