‘A big moment’: Wales expected to ban single-use plastic carrier bags

In 2011, Wales became one of the first countries in the world to introduce a charge for single-use carrier bags. Photograph: Chris Radburn/PA

Wales has moved a step closer to becoming the first country in the UK to ban thin plastic single-use carrier bags, with anyone caught supplying them facing prosecution in a magistrates court and a fine.

Flimsy plastic bags are included in a lengthy list of items to be prohibited if a bill put before the Welsh parliament on Tuesday becomes law.