Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what representations she has received on the merits of banning all plastic bags in pursuit of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 on conservation and sustainable use of the marine environment.

We have received representations from the French Government to join a coalition to build a political impetus towards the elimination of single-use plastic bags. The associated declaration makes clear that this goal can be achieved through a variety of measures. Our 5p charge on single use carrier bags is a good example of how we are contributing towards a reduction in the use of single-use plastic bags.