Johnson calls for litterbugs to be ticked off and told to put rubbish in bin

During PMQs, Boris Johnson said he “abhors” litter, after being asked about a campaign in Lincolnshire aimed at tackling waste.

Acknowledging the increased time people will be spending outside with the relaxation of Covid regulations, he also said handing out on-the-spot fines for dropping rubbish is the right thing to do.

Conservative MP Gareth Davies (Grantham and Stamford) said: “Will the Prime Minister join me in backing the Grantham Journal’s spring clean campaign, and can he assure my constituents the Government are doing all it can to help tackle littering?”

Mr Johnson responded: “I share (Mr Davies’) indignation about litter and I do think it’s one of the things upon which the whole of the country, and I hope the whole of the House, is united.

“That’s why we’re doing the Respect The Outdoors campaign to encourage people to follow the Countryside Code, to pick up their litter.

“Obviously a lot of people are meeting outdoors at the moment because of the pandemic; they must obey the basic laws of respect for other people, pick up their litter.

“We’re putting money into new litter bins and we are increasing fines, on-the-spot fines, for littering.

“I know that there will be many libertarians in this place who think that’s unfair and draconian; personally, I think it’s the right thing to do.

“I abhor litter and I urge anybody who sees anybody throwing away a crisp packet to tick them off and tell them to pick it up.”