Theresa May calls on Commonwealth leaders to help clear oceans of plastic waste
1 min read
Theresa May will urge Commonwealth countries to ban single-use plastics and microbeads as she announces a £60m drive to clean up the oceans.
The Prime Minister will make the environmental appeal to 52 fellow leaders when she chairs the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London and Windsor this week.
She said: “As one of the most significant environmental challenges facing the world today, it is vital that we tackle this issue so that future generations can enjoy a natural environment that is healthier than we currently find it.
“The UK public has shown passion and energy in the fight against plastic waste. If we stand together, we have the opportunity to send not only a powerful message to the world, but also to effect real change.”
Some £25m of the cash will go to research on marine plastic pollution, while £20m will go on tackling plastic waste in developing countries.
Another £16.4m will go on improving waste management to prevent plastics getting into the water supply.
It is the latest move in the Tory drive to protect the environment inspired by the BBC’s Blue Planet 2 series and the general election result which lost Mrs May her Commons majority.
New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu, and Ghana have already joined the UK in the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance.
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