PM pledges £61m to rid the oceans of plastics
ALL other 52 Commonwealth nations will be urged to join Britain in cracking down on the plastic waste polluting our oceans today.
Theresa May announced she had set aside £61.4million – much of it from the foreign aid budget – to help poorer nations reduce their use of plastic.
She will call on the members to sign a new Blue Charter, a 16-point plan to safeguard the oceans, during a summit of their leaders in London today.
She will also call on Commonwealth countries to follow the UK’s lead in banning microbeads and cutting down on single-use plastic bags.
Mrs May will tell the leaders that the charter will ‘set in train ambitious and coordinated worldwide action’.
She will say: ‘Our members know all too well the many threats faced by the world’s oceans. That is why, in the days ahead, I want us to agree a landmark Blue Charter to safeguard our seas for generations.
‘Not just warm words, but real action that will benefit members and non-members alike.’
No10 said £25million of the fund will be used to help researchers investigate the issue of marine plastic from a scientific, economic and social perspective.
A further £20million will curb plastic and other environmental pollution generated by manufacturing in developing countries and prevent it entering the oceans.
The remaining £ 16.4million will go towards improving waste management to stop plastics entering the water.
Following public support for the issue, the Government also pledged to match public donations to tackle plastic waste up to a total of £5million.
Mrs May said: ‘As one of the most significant environmental challenges facing the world, it is vital that we tackle this issue so 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, and the Commonwealth is uniquely placed to further this transformative action.
‘We have the opportunity to send not only a powerful message to the world, but also to effect real change.’
Tanya Steele, chief executive of the World Wildlife Fund, said: ‘Devoting UK international development money to help poor communities clean up and better manage their waste isn’t just good for nature, it’s good for people too.’