Government announces plans for single-use plastic item ban in England

Environment secretary Thérèse Coffey said the ban, which includes plastic cutlery, plates and trays, would help protect the environment for future generations.

It is not yet clear when it will come into effect.

According to government figures, 1.1 billion single-use plates and more than four billion pieces of plastic cutlery are used in England every year.

The confirmation of the move from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) follows a long consultation, which will be published on 14 January.

While the ban has been welcomed by campaigners, some feel it doesn’t go far enough. Megan Randles, political campaigner for Greenpeace UK said: “Whilst it’s welcome that the government’s finally banned certain items; we’re dealing with a plastic flood, and this is like reaching for a mop instead of turning off the tap.

“We need the government to deliver a meaningful plastic reduction strategy, which means bringing in plastic reduction targets and a proper reuse and refill scheme.

“It’s time to stop pandering to industry lobbyists; stop promoting false solutions; and stop dumping our plastic waste in countries that have done the least to cause the climate crisis. Anything else is not global leadership on plastic.”