Following the announcement that Mary Creagh is stepping down from her post as Minister for Nature, responsible for Waste and the Circular Economy, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has responded to the ministerial change.  

In a public statement, Creagh confirmed she is leaving government following a wider ministerial reshuffle. Katie Cockburn, Senior Director of Policy and Education at CIWM thanked Mary Creagh for her service and contribution to the sector during her time in office: “CIWM would like to thank Mary Creagh for her work as Minister. She has played an important role in pushing the transition to a more circular economy, including progress on key reforms across resources and waste. We wish her every success in her next role.”  

“We look forward to working with the incoming Minister to help deliver the government's circular economy ambitions, supporting the development of the policies, infrastructure and skills needed to accelerate the UK's transition to a more resource-efficient future.

“The first step towards achieving these goals must be for the government to release the long-delayed Circular Economy Growth Plan, which will provide much-needed clarity on policy for business, local authorities, and the wider sector.”  

The government has stated it intends to publish the Circular Economy Growth Plan ‘soon’, though a definitive publication date is yet to be confirmed. CIWM will continue to engage with Defra officials and the new ministerial team to advocate for the sector and champion the policy clarity needed across the industry.

For more information, please visit Circular Online.