The plastic , as well as other single - use plastics , could be banned from use in the country as part of a campaign to combat plastic pollution of the world ’s oceans and rivers . A referendum on the issue will begin later in 2018 , following the example of Malta which made a similar move in January . UK Prime Minister Theresa May will encourage other Commonwealth heads of government to make similar pledges as they meet in London this week . The oceans are believed to contain an estimated 100 million tonnes of plastic , resulting in the deaths of over 100,000 sea mammals each year .
The items, as well as other single-use plastics, could be banned from sale in the country as part of a campaign to combat plastic pollution of the world’s oceans and rivers. A consultation on the issue will begin later in 2018, following the example of Scotland which announced a similar move in January. UK Prime Minister Theresa May will encourage other Commonwealth heads of government to make similar pledges as they meet in London this week. The oceans are believed to contain an estimated 150 million tonnes of plastic, resulting in the deaths of over 100,000 sea mammals each year.