"I hope you are all well and have been able to enjoy the sporadic episodes of summer weather. It was terrifically sunny when I popped in to do a bit of shopping in Burford in May. One purchase I’m particularly proud of is a ‘Burford’ mug, which is now my mug of choice here in my Westminster office.
"Many of you have written to me about the importance of protecting our environment. This is one of the most pressing issues facing our generation, and it is – of course – a priority for me. I recently spoke in a debate on the ‘Reduction of Plastic Waste in the Marine Environment’, during which I was able to make the points that many of you have made to me. I am clear that we must do more to promote recycling, and ban the materials and products that are so harmful to our environment. Indeed, the Government has already taken great strides in this matter; from banning microbeads, plastic straws, cotton buds and stirrers; implementing a 5p charge on plastic bags; and outlining our plans to roll out a state-of-the-art bottle deposit scheme. These are very welcome steps, but we must do more.
"I am proud that the UK is a world-leader in this field, and I hope you will agree that the Environment Secretary’s comprehensive 25-Year Environment Plan is especially encouraging. We have all had the battle between conscience and convenience; now more than ever, we must make the conscious choice convenient.
"As ever, please do not hesitate to contact me at robert@robertcourts.co.uk."