UK To Ban Plastic Drinking Straws To Protect Marine Life

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Plastic drinking straws will be banned in a government push to protect marine life - and it could happen as soon as THIS year.

It follows research which shows Britain throws away 8.5 billion plastic straws every year.

The Marine Conservation Society said about 70 percent of litter on beaches was made of plastic with items such as straws, cups and stirrers making up over 20 percent of the litter.

And today, the Prime Minister, alongside Environment Secretary Michael Gove, will commit to a total ban on the sale of single use plastic straws, subject to a consultation to take place later this year.

Mr Gove told the BBC this morning: "Hopefully we’ll have a ban in place by the end of the year." Mrs May has also called on Commonwealth leaders, gathering in London this week, to follow Britain’s lead and joint the fight to protect wildlife in our seas and oceans.