DEFRA pushes ahead plans to ban Single-use plastic cutlery in England.
Among other items, single-use plastic cutlery, plates and polystyrene trays are to be banned in England, the Government has confirmed to the BBC according to its report.
Rumours of a ban on single-use plastics have been circulating for several months, however the BBC's report says the decision has been confirmed by the DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).
This ban follows similar decisions taken by Scottish and Welsh governments, but it is unclear at this time, when it will come into effect.
Thérèse Coffey, the Environment Secretary said that the ban would help protect the environment for future generations. She said: “I am determined to drive forward action to tackle this issue head-on. We’ve already taken major steps in recent years – but we know there is more to do, and we have again listened to the public’s calls.
“This new ban will have a huge impact to stop the pollution of billions of pieces of plastics and help to protect the natural environment for future generations.”
Reports of the ban have drawn praise; however, campaigners have called for Defra to go even further.