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More than 30,000 people have signed a petition demanding McDonald's reverses a decision to stop using plastic straws at its UK restaurants.

The fast food chain is among a large number of eateries and cafes which have banned single-use plastic in a bid to reduce harm to the environment.

Paper straws are now being used instead at McDonald's branches across the UK and Ireland.

But a petition posted on the website 38 Degrees has seen tens of thousands call for the move to be reversed.

According to the Manchester Evening News , the page reads: "Bring back McDonald's straws, so I can drink my milkshake proper."

One of those who agree with the petition wrote on Twitter: "The new paper straws in McDonalds are crap. Do one Attenborough. I want plastic straws for my regular coca Cola."

Another added: "Paper straws and milk shakes don't go together, won't be coming back."

A third commented: "@McDonalds you still use plastic, so please bring back the straws. Don’t fancy my drink tasting like paper!

However, others are completely criticising the call as "selfish".

"If you don’t like the #mcdonalds paper straws, take the f*****g lid off and drink it from the cup and get over it. There's bigger problems in the world than a soggy straw," commented one.

A second person said: "You’re the most selfish person if you’re sat complaining about @McDonalds paper straws."

Another added: "God i hope @McDonalds dont give in to the petitions. If you dont want a paper straw, then use your own reusable one."

McDonald's announced its switch to paper straws last year after nearly half a million people called on the company to get rid of its plastic version.

Paul Pomroy, the chief executive of McDonald's UK and Ireland, said at the time: "Reflecting the broader public debate, our customers told us they wanted to see a move on straws but to do so without compromising their overall experience when visiting our restaurants."

The US chain was also encouraged to remove the plastic toys from its Happy Meals.