To introduce in London a prohibition on the supply of certain bags by retailers, to confer powers upon local authorities in London to enforce the prohibition; and for related purposes.
The Bill introduces a prohibition on the distribution of free, throw-away shopping bags by retailers in the capital, and gives powers to local authorities to enforce this. Some exemptions apply:small bags used to contain any unpackaged food for human or animal consumption bags used for packaging any goods and sealed before the goods are offered for retail sale or supplybags sold for use by the customer away from the premises at which they are soldbags provided to the customer for the transmission of goods to the retailerbags designed to be used for the disposal of wastebags used to contain goods sold on board a ship, aircraft, train or bus used for carrying passengers.
House of Commons
27 November 2008
The Bill would ban retailers in London from giving away free throw-away shopping bags and would give local authorities across London the power to enforce the ban. It includes exemptions for certain bag uses, such as small bags for unpackaged food, bags used to package goods before sale, and bags carried away from the shop, as well as bags for waste disposal and bags used on transport like ships and planes. The aim is to cut plastic waste and litter while allowing necessary packaging and specific bag uses.
The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons, having originated in the Commons and progressing through Parliament.
Generated 21 February 2026
On 25 November 2008 the parliamentary agents requested on behalf of the promoter that the bill be withdrawn.
The second reading of the Bill has been repeatedly opposed. A blocking motion has been tabled which, while it remains in place, will effectively prevent the bill receiving a second reading until a debate is held. The table above shows the progress of the Bill and the next date the motion will be taken formally, to be rescheduled for a later date until a debate is held. No date for a debate has yet been agreed.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
