It was great to speak to academics from the University of Plymouth who came into Parliament as part of Evidence Week.

I learnt of the effects of underwater light pollution on our underwater environment and discovered more about the benefits of the UK’s first offshore mussel farm which contributes to UK food security, economic resilience, the seafood industry and marine conservation.

Having successfully campaigned for the UK’s first National Marine Park, I am proud to be part of a government that is putting nature first. The Labour Government’s ambitious commitment to protecting 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030 goes towards protecting these vital and beautiful ecosystems.