Microbeads will be banned this year, Michael Gove announces in first speech as Environment Secretary

Microbeads will be banned to prevent tiny pieces of plastic entering the world's oceans which are then swallowed by wildlife, Michael Gove the Environment Secretary announced today.

The government has been consulting on whether to legislate against the beads, which are found in personal care products such as exfoliators, toothpaste and shower gels. 

In his first major speech as Environment Secretary, Mr Gove confirmed that legistlation will be introduced this year to ban their sale and manufacture.

He also pledged action to reduce plastic waste in the world's oceans and set out his ambition for the UK to lead the world in environmental protection.

Around eight million tonnes of plastic makes its way into oceans each year, posing a serious threat to the natural and marine environment. Experts estimate plastic is ingested by 31 species of marine mammals and over 100 species of sea birds.

As new figures published today revealed more than nine billion fewer plastic bags were used since the government introduced a 5p charge, an 83 per cent reduction, the Environment Secretary set out further plans to prevent other sources of plastic finding their way into our oceans and seas.

Speaking at WWF UK on Friday morning, Mr Gove said: "Eight million tonnes of plastic are discarded into the world’s oceans each year, putting marine wildlife under serious threat.

"In October 2015, the government introduced the 5p carrier bag charge. Figures released today show that policy’s enormous success – nine billion fewer carrier bags distributed since the charge was introduced, a fall of 83 per cent. More than £95million raised from the charge has been donated to environmental, educational and other good causes.

"Last year the government launched a consultation on banning microbeads in personal care products, which have such a devastating effect on marine life. We are responding to that consultation today and we will introduce legislation to implement that ban later this year.

"But there is more we can do to protect our oceans, so we will explore new methods of reducing the amount of plastic - in particular plastic bottles - entering our seas, improve incentives for reducing waste and litter, and review the penalties available to deal with polluters - all part of a renewed strategy on waste and resources that looks ahead to opportunities outside the EU."

Since its introduction, the 5p plastic bag charge has reduced use by over nine billion bags – enough to wrap around the world more than 100 times. Money raised from the charge has generated £95 million for good causes.

The government is also bringing forward legislation to help councils tackle littering from vehicles and will shortly publish its response to a consultation into increasing the fixed penalty fine for littering.

Mr Gove also said more will be done to tackle  so-called 'defeat devices' which are used by car manufacturers to avoid strict pollution laws. 

He also hinted that incentives will be introduced to encourage people to recycle more and use fewer plastic bottles.

A new Waste Strategy will be published later this month.