Tuesday, 2 May 2023

 David HODGETT (Croydon) (15:37): I rise today to speak about a letter I recently received from two young constituents, Rosie and Elizabeth, both aged seven years old. They took it upon themselves to contact me to raise their concerns regarding single-use plastics and the impact they place on the environment. It is wonderful to see the passion for our environment and climate that Rosie and Elizabeth displayed in their letter, spending their recesses and lunchbreaks to write the letter so they could have a voice on what is most important to them. As their local MP I wanted to ensure their voices were heard in Parliament. They are calling on the government to do more to limit single-use plastic production and consumption as they have seen firsthand these plastics littered around them every day. With more single-use plastics around than ever before, they know more must be done now to help protect the environment for the future. Thank you, Rosie and Elizabeth, for having the initiative and passion to bring this issue to my and the government’s attention. Continue to share your voices and stand up for what you believe in, and you will go far in life. I know I cannot use props, Acting Speaker, but I do just want to show the letter in Parliament here.