While Westminster still keeps a tight grip on legislation in key areas such as defence and foreign policy, there is an increasing move towards devolved powers for the national capitals of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

As part of that drive, The National Assembly of Wales has been given powers to pass its own laws about waste and pollution.

Welsh Environment, Sustainability and Housing Minister Jane Davidson said: “The way that we protect our environment and manage Waste is critical to the future of Wales.

“Although Environment policy has long been a devolved issue, until now we haven’t had the power to pass’ made in Wales’ legislation based on Welsh priorities and needs.

“Now that the Environment LCO has been made by Her Majesty in Council we can move forward with our work to introduce a Measure that will enable us to adopt more sustainable waste management practices here in Wales.

“This is great news for Wales. It will help us to reduce our carbon footprint and allow us to work towards achieving the ambitions set out in our strategy ‘Towards Zero Waste’. ”

Sam Bond

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