Although we have docile, lacklustre, hesitating, even unpatriotic politicians who shy away from making difficult decisions, especially when it comes to ethnic minorities, environment, economy, NHS, immigration and many such issues, fortunately we have patriotic, enlightened, robust and knowledgeable media, especially print media who always champion one cause or another that is in public interest.
Plastic bag charge of 5p and organ donation opt out was introduced due to media pressure, although it is clearly half-hearted measures, introduced with one eye on “Vote Bank Politics”. No wonder EU, Russia and many other nations intimidate us, treat us with contempt, as they know Britain is a lion that roars but never bites, a lamb dressed as lion, indeed a toothless tiger.
China’s manoeuvre to illegally declare the whole of South China Sea (SCS) as their territorial waters, treating with contempt countries like Vietnam, Philippines and even Japan for whom shipping through SCS is their lifeline. Even international court of justice based in Hague declared China’s action as illegal which China ignored, knowing well that EU is powerless to challenge China, who will soon rule the waves, replacing near bankrupt America as the sole super-power. China’s monomania knows no bound with the West sleepwalking into oblivion.
Campaign against use of unrecyclable plastic cups and problem packing, led by Sky, Daily Mail and other publications, forced government to publish consultation paper and gauge public opinion which solidly came out in favour of the levy; which means Chancellor will now hopefully use autumn budget to introduce range of tough measures on such polluting plastic garbage.
But looking at the plastic filth polluting our oceans, endangering marine life, this is a tiny but welcoming step in the right direction. Next on the agenda should be refundable deposit on plastic and glass bottles, as well as reuse of solid glass bottles, as was the norm in bygone era when soft drink glass bottles were used and reused time and again before being discarded due to wear and tear. This proves that if there is a will, then there is certainly a way to clean our oceans before it is too late.
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
