Fleur Anderson Welcomes Draft of Wet Wipe Bill
New legislation would spell success for her campaign on plastic ban
Sir Sadiq Khan and Fleur Anderson MP campaigning in support of the legislation
October 30, 2025
The UK Government has published draft legislation proposing a ban on wet wipes containing plastic fibres, following a Commons debate led by Putney’s Fleur Anderson. The proposed regulation, titled the Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (England) Regulations 2025, is scheduled to be considered by Parliament in early November and, if approved, would come into force in Spring 2027.
The initiative responds to concerns about the environmental impact of plastic-containing wet wipes, which are widely used across the UK. An estimated 11 billion wet wipes are used annually, many of which contain non-biodegradable plastics such as polyester and polypropylene. These materials contribute to blockages in sewer systems and pollution in rivers and oceans. Thames Water reports that wet wipes are the leading cause of sewer blockages, with around 75,000 incidents per year, costing the utility £18 million annually.
During the debate, Ms Anderson highlighted the scale of the issue and the role of community and parliamentary advocacy in advancing the legislation. She cited examples of environmental damage, including the formation of “Wet Wipe Island” in the River Thames, and described the proposed ban as a step toward reducing long-term pollution.
Minister Emma Hardy acknowledged the local MP’s role in raising awareness and promoting legislative action, noting her previous efforts including the introduction of a private Member’s Bill in 2021.
The proposed ban aims to improve biodegradability standards and reduce plastic waste. It also seeks to create consistency across the retail sector, with some major retailers such as Boots and Tesco already offering plastic-free alternatives.
If passed, the legislation will be implemented through a Statutory Instrument, with debates scheduled in the House of Commons on 3 November and the House of Lords on 10 November. The measure forms part of broader efforts to address environmental sustainability and waste reduction.
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