Residents are being encouraged by a Member of Parliament to give their views on plans to phase out many single use plastics.

Copeland MP Trudy Harrison is encouraging residents to have their say on a UK Government consultation around phasing out banning a range of plastics that harm our landscapes and wildlife.

The most harmful include single use plastic plates and cutlery as well as polystyrene cups.

Mrs Harrison welcomed the proposal to phase out harmful plastics, and urged the public to have their say.

“Single-use plastic plates, cutlery and polystyrene cups are among a range of items that threaten our natural environment that could be banned in England. The proposals will lead to businesses using more sustainable alternatives and prevent plastic litter from polluting our landscapes.

“These proposals build on the significant steps already taken by the Government and industry to tackle plastic pollution. The consultation runs until February 12, 2022.”

The consultation has been launched by Environment Secretary George Eustice in response to stark figures.

Estimates suggest England uses 1.1 billion single use plates and 4.25 billion items of single use cutlery per year, only 10 per cent are recycled upon disposal