Single-use cutlery and plates to be banned in England

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There will be a ban on single-use items in England.

It's not clear when the ban will take effect, but it's similar to moves already taken by Scotland and Wales.

The Secretary said the move would help protect the environment.

The ban was welcomed by the campaigners.

More than four billion pieces of plastic are used in England every year, according to government figures.

The plastic waste can last a long time in the landfill.

It can be useful in terms of food hygiene, but can end up as litter and pollution.

The consultation on the move will be published on Saturday 14 January.

The average person in England uses an average of 18 single-use plastic plates and 37 items of plastic cutlery every year, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

A range of single-use plastic items will be banned.

I am determined to take action to address this issue. We have listened to the public's calls, but we know there is more to be done.

The ban will help to protect the natural environment and stop the pollution of billions of pieces of plastic.

Single-use plastic straws and cotton buds were already banned in England in 2020.

The latest measure does not cover items found in supermarkets. The government said it would use other methods.

The organisation welcomed the ban but more action was needed.

She said that the plastic flood was like reaching for a mop instead of turning off the tap.

She called on the government to deliver a meaningful strategy on how to reduce plastic use, which would include strict targets and a proper reuse and refill scheme.