Rishi Sunak tells the SNP to 'reconsider' DRS

Rishi Sunak has called for a halt to the Scottish Government’s deposit return scheme (DRS).  

The Prime Minister criticised the SNP/Green scheme, which has come under fire from MSPs and industry, telling the Commons that they should “reconsider” the DRS as it will “reduce choice and increase prices for consumers”.  

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Sunak was questioned by SNP Westminster group leader Stephen Flynn over food inflation – which as of April 2023 has risen by 19.1 per cent. He suggested that the SNP should “do their bit” by stepping away from the idea of a Scottish-led scheme.  

Sunak said: “We are doing everything that we can to help consumers manage the challenges of the cost-of-living.  

“But if the SNP wanted to do their bit, maybe they could reconsider their deposit return scheme. It is very clear what people have said, it will reduce choice and increase prices for consumers.”  

This follows circular economy minister Lorna Slater’s comments last week in which she said the DRS could be axed by the end of the month if the UK Government does not grant exemption from the Internal Market Act.  

This week Scottish Secretary Alister Jack told the Scottish Affairs Committee that he received a formal request for exemption on 6 March but is still to receive the impact assessments