Local MP Celebrates Ban On Plastic Microbeads Coming Into Force

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has welcomed the news that the ban on plastic microbeads has come in to effect today, marking a landmark step in the introduction of one of the world’s toughest bans on these harmful pieces of plastic.

The ban will see manufacturers of cosmetics and personal care products no longer be able to add tiny pieces of plastic known as ‘microbeads’ – which can cause serious harm to marine life.

The ban has been heralded by campaigners as one of the toughest in the world, and the Government is looking to extend it later in the year by banning the sale of remaining products containing microbeads.

Alongside the success of the Government’s 5p plastic bag charge – which has taken nine billion bags out of circulation – the ban puts the UK at the forefront of international efforts to crack down on plastic pollution.

Today’s announcement comes ahead of the Government’s upcoming 25 Year Environment Plan, which will set out how we will be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we inherited it and create clean, healthy and productive oceans.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “Like many, I was captivated by the Blue Planet 2 series which provided a huge wake-up call to the urgency in doing all that we can to protect our oceans and marine life. It is vital that we protect wildlife and the environment for future generations, and this ban is a significant step towards achieving that. I am extremely proud of the work the Government has done in recent months to make the UK a world leader in the fight against plastic pollution, as well as its commitment to building on this work.”