A report released by the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on microplastics has identified UK agricultural land as some of the most contaminated in Europe. The findings suggest that the widespread practice of applying sewage sludge from water treatment facilities to farmland as fertilizer is a primary driver of microplastic accumulation. Scientists and campaigners involved in the report argue that this pollution poses a significant, emerging risk to the nation's food security.

The APPG is urging the government to implement legally binding targets to curb microplastic pollution, noting that the issue is compounded by the additional stress placed on the agricultural sector by extreme weather events linked to climate change. While the report highlights the environmental and systemic risks, it emphasizes that the long-term impact on soil health and crop yields remains a critical area of concern. The call for legislative action reflects a growing consensus among environmental advocates and certain lawmakers that current soil management practices are unsustainable. As of now, the government has not yet issued a formal policy response to the specific recommendations regarding binding reduction targets.