The Cabinet has backed the Great British September Clean to tackle the litter that has blighted the country during lockdown.
All 22 ministers, led by Boris Johnson, have pledged to take part in a socially distanced litter pick when the scheme begins in September.
The Mail and Keep Britain Tidy are encouraging the public and businesses to help pick up litter between September 11 and 27.
So far, the Prime Minister, leaders of the main political parties, big companies and conservation groups including the National Trust and Woodland Trust have pledged their support.
The Cabinet has backed the Great British September Clean to tackle the litter that has blighted the country during lockdown. Pictured: Michael Gove joining a Keep Britain Tidy team in Surry Heath on April 5, 2019
Environment Secretary George Eustice said last night: ‘We have all wanted to spend more time outside in recent weeks but the increase in rubbish strewn across beaches and parks is a real blight.
‘Having grown up on a farm, I know the harm that this littering can cause to animals and wildlife, but I also know there is great determination within local communities to stamp it out.’
He added: ‘I fully support the Great British September Clean and the Mail’s work to shine a light on this important issue. I hope that in step with social distancing, the British public lend their full support to make a difference to their local environment.’
He was joined by Michael Gove, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, who backed our previous Great British Spring Clean campaign.
The former environment secretary said: ‘I’m proud to support Keep Britain Tidy and the Daily Mail in their fantastic campaign to clean up Britain.
All 22 ministers, led by Boris Johnson, have pledged to take part in a socially distanced litter pick when the scheme begins in September
‘Many of us have cherished the wonderful countryside and green spaces across the UK throughout lockdown but it’s terrible to see them blighted by litter and the damage done to our environment.
‘I applaud the Daily Mail and Keep Britain Tidy for this vital work to ensure we can enjoy a cleaner, greener recovery.’
All Cabinet ministers yesterday signed up to the campaign, including Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey and Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick also signed up. They were joined by International Trade Secretary Liz Truss, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, Justice Secretary Robert Buckland and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, as well as International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack, Welsh Secretary Simon Hart and Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis pledged their support from all corners of the UK.
Environment Secretary George Eustice (pictured) said last night: Having grown up on a farm, I know the harm that this littering can cause to animals and wildlife, but I also know there is great determination within local communities to stamp it out’
Tory party co-chairman Amanda Milling has also pledged her support and took part in a litter pick on Blackpool beach to get the campaign started.
Baroness Evans, the Tory leader in the House of Lords, has also pledged her backing.
The Great British September Clean is encouraging everyone to hit the streets, parks and beaches to fight litter.
In addition to politicians, campaign groups and firms, the Post Office, carers and furloughed workers have also signed up. The Wombles of Wimbledon Common are also involved – one of the 70s TV characters, Orinoco, was photographed with Mr Johnson to promote the Great British Spring Clean which had to be cancelled due to the lockdown. Celebrities including former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, Apprentice star Lord Sugar and gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh have also backed the campaign.
Last week, rangers from the Balmoral estate condemned campers for leaving tents and litter strewn across it.
They shared a photo online at the weekend of the mess left near the Queen’s summer residence on Deeside, writing: ‘Please camp responsibly and leave no trace! Not like this group… Hopefully they will return and tidy up.’
