St Albans MP Anne Main has bade good riddance to microbeads.

Herts Advertiser: Silica gel demonstrating how microbeads are used in care products. Photo: PunkbarbySilica gel demonstrating how microbeads are used in care products. Photo: Punkbarby (Image: This content is subject to copyright.)

The government announced last week legislation would be brought forward to ban the sale and manufacture of microbeads.

Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic which are used in cosmetics and care products such as toothpaste and shower gel.

Environment secretary Michael Gove said: “Last year the government launched a consultation on banning microbeads, which have such a devastating effect on marine life. We will introduce legislation to implement a ban later this year.”

Mrs Main responded: “I am delighted to see the government taking steps to ban microbeads.

“The Secretary of State is right, the amount of plastic waste going into our seas is a serious threat to marine wildlife, and the banning of microbeads is a step in the right direction.

“I have been talking about this issue for some time and it is welcome news that action is being taken by the government.”