At this week's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Theresa May announced the Government's intention to ban the sale of plastic straws, drink stirrers and cotton buds and called on other Commonwealth countries to join us.
In order to eliminate these items from use the Government will work with industry to develop alternatives and ensure there is sufficient time to adapt. Plastic waste is one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the world, which is why protecting the marine environment is central to our agenda.
Therese said: "This builds on our 25-year environment plan where we said we would target the elimination of avoidable plastic waste.
The UK is also leading action with Vanuatu in encouraging other Commonwealth nations to step up action against plastics in the marine environment."
