Johnstone in bag tax call

LOTHIANS Green MSP Alison Johnstone has called for Scotland to follow the example of Wales, where a new 5p tax on carrier bags came into force today.

The levy is intended to discourage shoppers from taking single-use bags and applies to paper as well as plastic carriers.

Ms Johnstone said: “We’ve been having a debate on ways to tackle bag waste for many years but I think the most recent figures show that now the time is right for clearer action by the Scottish Government.”