I'm thrilled to announce that Rishi Sunak has committed to the Conservative Friends of the Ocean "Ocean Pledge". As a proud island nation, we must do all we can to unlock the full potential of, and protect, our seas and coastal communities.”
Read the letter from The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak below:
Dear Conservative Friends of the Ocean,
Thank you for taking the time to contact me about your ‘Ocean Pledge’.
I want to ensure that the UK continues to be a global leader in protecting our seas, the ocean and marine life. I am committed to introducing pilots of Highly Protected Marine Areas in English waters, providing the highest level of protection for our seas, and safeguarding the 372 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
I know the importance of protecting British streams and rivers, and support the measures in the Environment Act 2021 to reduce and eventually eliminate sewage discharges across the country. I will always push to ensure water companies meet their commitments to cut sewage discharges into rivers and, where they do not act, be prepared to contemplate tougher action.
I will stand up for coastal communities in future negotiations with the EU and deliver on the commitment to spend £100 million over the next 3 years on a UK-wide Seafood Fund. Coastal areas will be a key part of my levelling up agenda. Crucially, private sector investment will be at the heart of this, building on the success of Freeports and the Super Deduction.
I will support ocean protection through appropriate funding, including the £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund, and the Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund. Internationally, the £500 million Blue Planet Fund will help some of the world’s poorest communities to protect the ocean from plastic pollution, overfishing and habitat loss.
Thank you all again for taking the time to get in touch about this and I look forward to working with you all.
Kind regards,
The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP