SUEZ responds to EU referendum outcome

David Palmer-Jones, CEO for SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, said:

“Although we supported Britain remaining in the European Union, SUEZ recycling and recovery UK respects the democratic will of the population and our focus remains on our policy of deriving the maximum value from the waste produced by UK households and businesses every day.

However, in the ensuing months and years which will pass while the United Kingdom renegotiates its EU membership, there is a risk of a void in national policy.

As we transition to a more resource-efficient economy, something to which all UK devolved administrations aspire, the waste and resources sector continues to seek initiative and leadership from Whitehall.

EU membership for Britain has been a crucial and effective driver of environmental policy and legislation, which has seen the United Kingdom transform from being the ‘dirty man of Europe’ to a solid environmental performer.

Our industry has a very clear vision and understanding of what needs to be done to ensure that we continue to make environmental improvements with or without EU membership. The environmental services industry stands ready to maintain its work with national policy-makers to ensure that we have a positive future in front of us, and that we build on the environmental gains achieved over the last two decades.

In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with our local authority and business partners to deliver on our commitment to turning waste into a resource.”