Baglady Shirley Lewis welcomes the news that British PM Gordon Brown ‘may legislate against free plastic bags.’
The Guardian quoted Gordon Brown as saying he was now willing to use compulsion to ensure that other stores follow the lead set last week by Marks and Spencers, who are to charge 5p a bag in future, following a highly successful trial in Northern Ireland.

Shirley the Baglady said:

Gordon Brown has made some very important observations. He is beginning to sound like a father as well as a politician. This is what we so desperately need from all of our elected representatives, and right across the community.

Gordon Brown said: “I am convinced we need to act – and the time to act is now…. if government compulsion is needed to make the change, we will take the necessary steps.

“We do not take such steps lightly – but the damage single-use plastic bags inflict on the environment is such that strong action must be taken.

“The important thing is to come up with a scheme that will be of most benefit, most quickly – and ideally at the same time secure funds for organisations that help protect our environment.”

Baglady added:

Mr Brown said he was reminded of the scale of the problem every week when he saw the number of bags supplied with his family shopping.

I am just wondering if he has noticed the amount of other packaging we are paying for, and how much needless plastic is being inflicted on the planet we are supposed to share with zillions of other species.

I also wonder if he’s noticed the distance our foods travel, or where our ‘recycled’ rubbish goes.