19 Apr 2018 --- The UK government has promised to ban the sale of plastic straws, plastic drink stirrers and plastic-stemmed cotton buds, as the country steps up its efforts in the battle against plastic pollution. Prime Minister Theresa May announced the new plans before a meeting of the Commonwealth leaders in London, urging those nations to sign-up to the newly-formed Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance. It has been suggested that the ban will come into effect later this year.