Starmer signs up for the September Clean
He echoes PM in fight to rid us of lockdown litter ... as furloughed staff get cracking
LABOUR leader Sir Keir Starmer has thrown his weight behind the Daily Mail-backed Great British September Clean.
He said he fully supported the ‘valuable campaign’, saying green spaces had been a ‘lifeline’ recently.
He was joined by the Liberal Democrats, Scottish National Party and Greens.
It came after heritage groups, businesses and the Wombles gave their backing to the campaign to clean up litter when picks begin in September. The Mail and Keep Britain Tidy are encouraging the public and businesses to help pick up litter between September 11 and September 27.
Workers on furlough are using their extra free time to lead the way already.
In Blackpool, they have been encouraged by Steven King, 32, who posted a video online in May showing the mess visitors had left on the famous beach.
It triggered a flood of messages from people asking how they could help. Now The Big Blackpool Beach Clean Facebook page already has 567 volunteers.
Mr King, a DJ, said: ‘I think there is a need for that community spirit at the minute. People have been bored with nothing to do and I think that’s why they were so keen to get involved with our clean-up.’
Backing the campaign to clean up public spaces, Sir Keir said: ‘Our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline during lockdown.
For the many people without gardens, these spaces have been crucial for maintaining mental and physical health. And for many children, they are the only place to play safely outdoors.’
Sir Ed Davey, of the Liberal Democrats, said: ‘[We] are delighted to support the Mail’s campaign – we need to end our throwaway culture and make the UK free from rubbish.’
The SNP’s George Adam said: ‘I’d encourage everyone who can to get involved – for the sake of our planet, environment and for the benefit of our communities.’
The Green Party’s Natalie Bennett also welcomed the campaign for encouraging ‘people to come together ... and help make their areas cleaner, safer places to live in and help nature thrive’.
It came after Boris Johnson called on the nation to ‘roll up our sleeves’ and clean up the rubbish discarded during the lockdown. The Great British Spring Clean, run by Keep Britain Tidy and backed by the Mail, was postponed because of the pandemic.
The Mail has previously backed successful environmental campaigns including Turn the Tide on Plastic, Be a Tree Angel and Curb the Cups which have helped to change Britain’s landscapes.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Richard McIlwain said: ‘We are delighted to see the party leaders coming together to back our campaign.’
The Great British September Clean will run from September 11 to 27. For more information, or to pledge your support, visit keep britaintidy.org/gbseptemberclean.