At the state opening of Parliament today the Queen announced that retailers will charge 5p for carrier bags from 2015.

This levy will apply to supermarkets and larger stores in England and is expected to cut their use by at least three-quarters.

The Queen told MPs and peers: "My government will continue to implement major reforms to the electricity market and reduce the use of plastic carrier bags to help protect the environment."

Retailers with 500 employees and less will be excluded to protect independents.

Wales implemented a 5p charge for all retailers in 2011, while Northern Ireland also has a 5p levy and Scotland will introduce the levy next year.