RICHARD Benyon MP signed a pledge to 'pass on plastic' by making a commitment to using recycled items.

A project launched by Sky Ocean Rescue aims to improve the state of the oceans by cutting down on single-use plastic.

The Newbury stalwart was one of many politicians to sign the pledge and he will be encouraging others in Parliament to adopt reusable shopping bags and coffee cups.

Mr Benyon said: “I have been inspired to join this campaign and look at ways to reduce my own plastic consumption.

“It is deeply worrying that there are five trillion pieces of plastic in the world’s oceans, with eight million tonnes more ending up there every year.

“We all have a role to play in protecting our oceans and that is why I have signed my pledge and encourage others to do the same.”