Lots of constituents have written to me concerned about the government’s failure to make creating an Antarctic Ocean Sanctuary a diplomatic priority in the run up to important international talks in October.

Just 3.9% of the world’s oceans are designated for protection, despite a global commitment to achieve 10% by 2020.

As such, it is ever more crucial that the UK continues to lead the world in marine conservation, and that we do all we can to ensure the protection and sustainability of our oceans.

I asked the Minister to address this issue with President Trump during his UK visit later this week. However, I was not reassured by his rather flippant response. Regardless, I will continue to fight for the health of our oceans.

I have long supported measures to protect our marine environment, and I support the establishment of the blue belt in order to protect and enhance the marine environment of the UK and our overseas territories.

I also support proposals to deliver an ecologically coherent network of Marine Conservation Zones around the UK in order to ensure that the benefits of marine conservation are felt domestically too.