Mail campaign

Greenpeace uK has also created a campaign to banish the microbeads which had gained 350,000 signatures last night – highlighting the public desire to cleanse our oceans of plastics.

its director JOHN SAUVEN said: ‘it’s great to see the Mail calling for action on this.

‘Now theresa May’s Government needs to take leadership and ban microbeads to protect both consumers and our oceans.’

Other MPs to join the call included leader of the Liberal Democrats TIM FARRON. Praising the Mail’s initiative, he added: ‘We were proud to introduce a charge on plastic bags which has proven so effective. this is another sensible measure which helps protect our environment.’

And tory ZAC GOLDSMITH stated that there is ‘no good reason’ to delay a ban on the pollutants. He said: ‘Most consumers would be appalled to learn that a single shower can release tens of thousands of plastic microbeads.’

Former Blue Peter presenter JANET ELLIS also put her name to our campaign, and said she now ‘ avoids microbeads like the plague’ in beauty products.

Others who pledged their support include health and beauty editor at Hello! magazine NADINE BAGGOTT, and charities THE WILDLIFE TRUSTS and FRIENDS OF THE EARTH.