PLASTIC straws, cotton buds and stirrers could be banned in England as early as next year, as the government ramps up its efforts to cut plastic waste.

Prime Minister Theresa May will today unveil the new rules in a dramatic bid to help clean up the world’s oceans.

3 The prime minister said plastic waste was "one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the world" Credit: Getty - Contributor

Around 8.5billion plastic straws are thrown away in the UK each year.

Mrs May dubbed the single use plastic items one of “the greatest environmental challenges facing the world” last night.

The PM today urged 52 other leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit in London – whose countries span six continents – to take tough moves as well.

But Downing Street would not rule out inflicting extra costs on consumers with the ban, as makers are forced to come up with more expensive wood or paper alternatives.

3 Cottons buds could also be included in the ban Credit: Getty - Contributor

Lost of restuarants and shops have already announced plans to stop selling or using plastic straws, including McDonald's, Iceland, Pizza Express, Wagamama and pub chain JD Wetherspoon.

Scenes in Sir David Attenborough’s wildlife documentary Blue Planet II featuring a whale carrying her dead newborn around for days brought plastic sea pollution into the limelight.

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The PM said last night: “Protecting the marine environment is central to our agenda at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

“The UK government is a world leader on this issue, and today we have put forward ambitious plans to further reduce plastic waste from straws, stirrers and cotton buds.

“The Commonwealth is a unique organisation, with a huge diversity of wildlife, environments and coastlines.

“Together we can effect real change so that future generations can enjoy a natural environment that is healthier than we currently find it.”

The ban on straws and other small plastic items follows a series of eye-catching moves designed to bolster the Tories green credentials since the general election 10 months ago.

3 A total of 8.5bn plastic straws alone are thrown away each year, littering green spaces as well as Britain’s rivers and seas Credit: Corbis

Plastic microbeads in shower gel have also been banned, a deposit return scheme for plastic bottles and cans is being introduced, and a new tax on single use plastics is being drawn up.

The Coalition government also introduced a 5p plastic bag charge, which ministers claim has led to nine billion fewer bags distributed.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove added: “We’ve already seen a number of retailers, bars and restaurants stepping up to the plate and cutting plastic use.

“However it’s only through government, businesses and the public working together that we will protect our environment for the next generation – we all have a role to play in turning the tide on plastic.”

But critics tonight questioned the government’s motives.

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The Institute of Economic Affairs’ head of lifestyle economics Christopher Snowdon said: “I suspect a lot of this is hugely overblown, and gesture politics to get some friendly headlines.

“I’m not convinced that in 10 years time we will look back and say that was the right thing to do.

“Cotton buds from Britain is not what is polluting our oceans.”

“What will the cost to the consumer be? The government must spell this out.”

Mr Gove also faced flak from MPs today for a “lack of urgency” over introducing the deposit return scheme.

Under a grilling by MPs, the Environment Secretary admitted the scheme will only become law by 2020.

Commons Environment Committee chairwoman Mary Creagh said: “It is disappointing that having announced the deposit return scheme last year, the Government will not be bringing this vital part of tackling plastic waste until 2020 at the earliest.”