Charging for plastic bags is expected to be rolled out across the UK soon.

In the midst of fierce debates as to whether or not to ban plastic bags, a minister has hinted that prohibition could be introduced "sooner rather than later".

The switch to paper bags and reusable cotton carrier bags could happen imminently, according to farming minister David Heath, who suggested that ministers may finally take action.

This follows a positive example set by Wales.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, which is campaigning for a ban and calling on major retailers to stop giving away free single-use carrier bags, the newly appointed minister suggested that a charge would catch "that very large middle group, the guilty group, the people who want to do the right thing and they're guilty when they do not".

He said that a decision is being considered, however, it would still be subject to a consultation.

"We've got to get it right, but we want to get it right on the basis that we are actually achieving a beneficial outcome for the use of scarce resources and the environment," Mr Heath explained.

Chiming in on the matter, Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith said that the nation was moving in the "wrong direction" and slammed the wasteful culture at present, whereby each year eight billion plastic bags are thrown away.

These in turn take hundreds of years to decompose, fill up landfills and can litter the countryside.

"We are an extraordinarily wasteful country and of all the waste we generate, the plastic bag is surely the most idiotic," he said.

Mr Goldsmith then went on to add that he felt that the prime minister "is clearly now under pressure to act".

Three possible routes were then discussed, which included an outright plastic bag ban, a central levy, which Northern Ireland is preparing to introduce, or a Welsh-style nominal charge.

Shopping bags direct have many years of experience and expertise in the supply of bespoke paper bags. We can custom the bags to meet your requirements so please don’t hesitate to contact us now for a quote.