In a short debate in the House of Commons on the Marine Environment, Michael Fabricant pointed out the dangers to wildlife, inland too, and referred to the pools in Lichfield.

He told the House “Nothing is more heart-breaking than walking along a coast—or even in Lichfield, right in the middle of the nation, where we have the lakes of Minster Pool and Stowe Pool—and seeing swans and other animals suffering because of bags and other material that have been left there.”
George Eustice, the Environment Minister replied that Michael “makes a very important point. That is why we took the decision to introduce the 5p charge on single-use plastic bags. The big problem we have with plastics is that they remain in the environment for a very long time, which compounds the problem, and we add to it each year. Once these plastics are in the marine environment, it is incredibly difficult for them to be removed, so it is essential that we do all we can to stop plastics getting into the marine environment.”

Michael now adds “As we approach spring and the hatching of cygnets, ducklings, and goslings as well as other animals and birds, we do need to be careful not to discard rubbish which can kill. If you can’t take it home – put it in a bin!”