Highland MSP Kate Forbes applauds move to ban plastic straws in Scotland; the Dingwall based Scottish Government finance secretary hails victory for campaigners
Highland MSP Kate Forbes is welcoming news that Scotland will ban single-use plastic straws from next summer.
The Dingwall-based member for Skye Lochaber and Badenoch launched a Final Straw campaign in her constituency at the beginning of 2018.
In an announcement last week, the Scottish Government also confirmed it would implement a ban other single-use items such as plastic cutlery, plates, beverage stirrers and balloon sticks by June 1, 2022.
Hundreds of millions of pieces of single-use plastic are discarded each year.
The proposed legislation has a small number of targeted exemptions to ensure there are no unintentional consequences, which means those who use straws to eat or drink independently – such as for medical needs – can continue to do so.
Ms Forbes said: “A few years ago, on a cold January morning, I launched the Final Straw campaign.
“The aim was to raise awareness about single use plastics. Over the subsequent months, a number of businesses phased out the use of plastic straws.
“I’m delighted to see the confirmation now that plastic straws will be banned. This is a victory for all who campaigned and took action.
“I have always said that we need to ensure there is provision for those who depend on straws for drinking, and I hope the exemptions help allay fears around this point.”
