A ban on plastic drinking straws and cotton buds is crucial to protecting marine life on the Fylde coast. That is the view of Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard who is backing proposals put forward by the Government last week.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced a consultation on the measures, which will also cover plastic stirrers. The move comes as the Chancellor announced a new tax on the manufacture and import of plastic packaging which contains less than 30 per cent recycled plastic, a further bid to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill or ending up in our seas.
Mr Maynard knows only too well how damaging plastics can be and the scale of the issue on the Fylde coast.
He said: “I know how many people are concerned about the amount of plastic pollution washing up on local beaches – this makes an important contribution.
“I know just how many plastic straws I have picked up on the beach cleans I have done.”
The Government has made clear its commitment to reduce the amount of single use plastic available to UK consumers.