I wish to update the House on the Government’s work to address the challenges posed by per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often known as forever chemicals, and to announce the publication of the UK Government’s PFAS plan.
PFAS represent a global and long-term environmental challenge. Their persistence, mobility and widespread historic use mean they are now found throughout our environment, including in water, soils, wildlife, and some consumer products. Although PFAS deliver important benefits in areas such as clean energy technologies, medical devices and essential safety equipment, we must take proportionate and science-based action to minimise their harmful impacts on both public health and the natural environment.
Today, the Government are publishing the PFAS plan, which sets out a comprehensive framework for how the UK will monitor, manage and reduce the risks from PFAS across society and the environment. The plan has been developed collaboratively with the devolved Governments and reflects a shared, UK-wide commitment to protect people and nature while supporting innovation and economic growth.
The plan establishes a clear long-term vision—to reduce and minimise the impacts of harmful PFAS on public health and the environment, while supporting the transition to safer and more sustainable alternatives.
To achieve this, the plan sets out co-ordinated action across three pillars:
Understanding PFAS sources—Understanding and identifying the sources of PFAS including where they originate from.
Tackling PFAS pathways—Accounting for the movement of PFAS around society and the environment.
Reducing ongoing exposure—reducing and managing ongoing exposure to PFAS for people, animals, and the environment.
The plan marks an important step towards a more co-ordinated, transparent and proportionate approach to managing PFAS across the UK. It will provide a platform for action across Government, industry, and others.
As a commitment in the environment improvement plan, progress on delivery of the PFAS plan will be incorporated into the statutory reporting cycle, ensuring regular scrutiny and accountability.
I will place a copy of the PFAS plan in the Library of the House and it will be available on gov.uk.
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