Commenting on the news that plastic straws, drink stirrers and cotton buds are to be banned, Debbie Tann, Chief Executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said:

“This is a positive step forward on the part of Government to start tackling the huge challenges facing our natural environment. Plastic is clogging up our precious chalk rivers and choking our local seas. Of course the crisis for our wildlife can't be averted by one simple fix alone, and we want to see much more ambitious commitments within the forthcoming Environment Bill. 

However, this decision - coming on the back of the swell of public outrage over plastic pollution - shows that people power works. Now is the time for everyone to tell politicians how much they care and to demand a wilder future."

Notes to Editors

The Time Is Now Lobby - The Wildlife Trusts and other environmental organisations are partnering with The Climate Coalition for a mass lobby for climate, nature and people: https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/the-time-is-now

Find out more about how we are campaigning for a Wilder Future: https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/get-involved/campaign/wilder-future 

More about plastic pollution and local action: https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/get-involved/campaign/plastics

About Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust strives to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We’re the leading wildlife charity in the two counties and with the support of our 26,000 members we’re taking effective action to protect our natural heritage. We’re also part of a UK-wide partnership of 47 Wildlife Trusts; together we are the nation’s most active and influential nature conservation partnership protecting wildlife in every part of the UK. www.hiwwt.org.uk

ENDS