Last week provided yet more evidence in support of my theory that Parliament is the most surreal workplace imaginable… we welcomed none other than Sir David Attenborough for a screening of his new film – Ocean. 

Just as Adolescence helped bring online harm and toxic masculinity into the public consciousness, Ocean is a stark exposé of the forces driving the decline of marine ecosystems.

Many of us might not immediately think of marine life as something that affects us directly. In Hitchin, the closest we come to ocean life might be spotting a carp in the River Ivel or enjoying fish and chips from Lemon Plaice on a Friday evening. But the health of our seas isn't just a coastal issue; it's a national responsibility and a global emergency.

The ocean generates more than half of the planet's oxygen and absorbs 30 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions. The ecosystems in our oceans play a vital role in regulating the planet's climate and supporting a vast net of biodiversity that sustains life far beyond our shores. From the sheltered sea lochs of Scotland to the wild Atlantic waters, from lush seaweed beds to hidden deepwater coral reefs, the UK's coasts and seas are home to an extraordinary variety of life - dolphins, whales, sharks, seals, puffins, and more.

They also underpin key sectors of our economy: fishing, tourism, shipping, and the rapidly expanding renewable energy industry. The stakes are high. Protecting our seas isn't just about conservation, it's about safeguarding our future.

One of the most devastating practices afflicting our oceans is deep-sea trawling. This practice involves dragging heavy nets and metal gear across the seabed, obliterating fragile ecosystems in minutes, ecosystems that can take decades or even centuries to recover.

While this is catastrophic for our marine life, most shocking of all is how little fish this method actually yields: less than 1% of the fish we consume. The environmental devastation it causes dwarfs any economic return. If there was ever an argument for deep-sea trawling, it sinks under the weight of its own consequences.

In contrast, as Sir David Attenborough powerfully argues, the benefits of healthy seas are immeasurable. Our oceans regulate the climate, support biodiversity, and sustain livelihoods. Ending deep-sea trawling would have minimal economic impact, but the ecological recovery would be massive. That's a trade-off we can't afford to ignore.

This is an issue I've long campaigned on. In January, I co-sponsored a Parliamentary Bill calling for a ban on deep-sea trawling. Just six months later, the Government has acted. Thanks to the relentless efforts of environmental groups, Parliamentarians, and with Sir David at the helm, a ban is now in place.

This is a landmark victory for marine conservation, but also a powerful indicator that this government is ready to take real action on issues affecting our environment.

I'm proud to be part of one of the greenest governments in generations. Labour understands that environmental leadership isn't optional, it's non-negotiable. From protecting our oceans to investing in clean energy and restoring nature at home, we're committed to building a greener, cleaner and more sustainable future for everyone.