PLASTIC STRAWS TO BE BANNED BY GOVT
PLASTIC straws are to be banned after public outrage at the destruction of marine life.
Theresa May will today bow to the pressure to take action on straws, stirrers and cotton buds.
It follows research that shows Britain throws away 8.5 billion plastic drinking straws every year.
The Prime Minister will commit to a total ban on the sale of single-use plastic straws, subject to a consultation.
Mrs May called on Commonwealth leaders, gathering in London this week, to follow Britain’s lead. She will announce a £61.4million fund to help develop new ways of cleaning up.
Mrs May will say: “The British public have shown passion embracing our plastic bag charge and microbead ban.
“Today we put forward ambitious plans to further reduce plastic waste from straws, stirrers and cotton buds.”
Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: “Single-use plastics are a scourge on our seas, and lethal to our precious environment and wildlife, so it is vital we act now.”