Tackling Plastic Pollution: The Coalition Hosts Sir David Attenborough CBE and the Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP

On Monday 11th March, the Coalition for Global Prosperity were delighted to host Sir David Attenborough CBE, Secretary of State for International Development, the Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP, and a panel of experts to call for Britain to continue to act as a global leader in tackling plastic pollution.

The event, co-hosted by the Coalition for Global Prosperity, Plastic Oceans UK and the APPG on the Prevention of Plastic Waste, explored how Britain can lead in the global fight against plastic pollution and conserve our environment for generations to come.

Anne Main MP, co-host chair of the APPG on the Prevention of Plastic Waste, opened the afternoon’s proceedings by emphasising the urgency of the situation.

Theo Clarke, co-host and chair, then introduced guest of honour Sir David Attenborough CBE for his keynote address. Sir David utilised his own experiences to point out the current magnitude of the issue.

Introduced by her former Blue Planet colleague Sir David, the audience then heard from co-host and founder of Plastic Oceans UK, Jo Ruxton.

Ahead of the panel discussion, the Coalition were delighted to co-host International Development Secretary, the Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP, for her keynote speech. Ms Mordaunt announced the doubling of UK aid support for plastic recycling in developing countries and called for solutions to clearing plastic waste from the world’s oceans and rivers.

Following the keynote speeches, our Chief Executive Theo Clarke then chaired an expert panel on this issue: Jo Ruxton (Plastic Oceans UK), Mary Creagh MP (Chair, Environmental Audit Committee), Roger Wright (Marks and Spencer), and Professor Richard Thompson OBE (University of Plymouth).

Theo Clarke, who chaired the evening’s discussion, brought the evening to a close by praising Britain’s commitment to tackling and reducing plastic pollution across the globe.