VALE MP Alun Cairns has called for the Welsh Government to follow the UK Government’s lead on banning the manufacture of products containing microbeads.

Mr Cairns said he wanted the ban to be applied in Wales following the UK ban in which it will be illegal to manufacture, supply or sell products containing these tiny pieces of plastic.

The Welsh Government is yet to follow suit.

Microbeads are designed to be washed down the drain, which inevitably leads to the contamination of sea water, posing a danger to marine life and their habitats.

Traditionally, cosmetic and skin-care products contain microbeads to enhance the scrub-off abilities of the product.

Microbeads, which often appear in face scrubs, toothpastes and shower gels, can prove harmful to marine life who are at risk of consuming small pieces of plastic.

The announcement is part of the UK Government’s strategy to protect marine life and crack down on plastic pollution.

The Welsh Government is consulting on the matter.

Mr Cairns said: “In light of the UK Government’s exciting landmark announcement to ban microbeads, it disappoints me that yet again the Welsh Government are behind the curve. The protection which this ban will provide to marine life is, to me, a clear and unequivocal indicator that it is the right step to take and I am delighted that the UK Government is at the forefront of international efforts to crack down on plastic pollution. It is however a shame that the Welsh Government continue to ponder the importance of this decision to safeguard our marine life.

“As the MP for an area which boasts some of the UK’s most beautiful coastline, I strongly urge that the Welsh Government applies the microbead ban in Wales as a matter of urgency.”