Businesses that will not stop selling or supplying single-use plastic straws, cotton buds and drink stirrers could face fines

The move follows concerns about people continuing to flush them down toilets, which contribute to the global marine plastic pollution issue

The government said it received ‘overwhelming public support’ for the move

The throwaway plastics to be banned from 2021 include straws, cutlery, plates, balloon sticks and cotton buds

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has launched a consultation on the proposals

They are among the 10 single-use plastic products targeted that are said to be most often found on Europe’s beaches

It is part of the government’s efforts to reduce plastic waste in the world’s oceans