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Sir David Attenborough: Permanent National Monument

09 June 2026

Lead MP

Johanna Baxter

Responding Minister

Ian Murray

Tags

ClimateCulture, Media & SportEnvironment
Word Count: 3743
Other Contributors: 7

At a Glance

Johanna Baxter raised concerns about sir david attenborough: permanent national monument in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

Baxter called on the Government to work with her to create a carefully designed sculpture in a prominent public location as a permanent tribute to Sir David Attenborough. The proposal would be privately funded through cultural institutions, charitable organisations, and voluntary contributions from the public.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Opened the debate
Johanna Baxter expressed deep admiration for Sir David Attenborough, highlighting his contributions to broadcasting and environmental advocacy. She noted that despite having over 50 species named in his honour, there is currently no permanent national monument dedicated to him in the UK. Baxter pointed out Sir David's significant impact on public imagination through programmes like 'Zoo Quest', his role in shaping British broadcasting, and his influential speeches at COP24 and the UN Security Council regarding climate change.

Government Response

Ian Murray
Government Response
It is a great pleasure to see you in the Chair, Sir Roger. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire South on securing a wonderful debate and making a lovely speech. This year marks Sir David Attenborough's 70-year career as an award-winning wildlife filmmaker and broadcaster, celebrating his contributions to British broadcasting, natural history storytelling, environmental education, and global cultural diplomacy. Sir David has helped shape the evolution of television through his work at BBC2 in introducing regular colour broadcasts and creating groundbreaking documentaries such as 'Life on Earth', 'Blue Planet', and most recently 'Wild London'. His career highlights the importance of public service broadcasters like the BBC in nurturing outstanding talent in Britain. Beyond broadcasting, Sir David has positively impacted public consciousness about nature and climate change urgency, inspiring action from around the world to protect the planet. The Government does not routinely fund monuments but supports a public subscription approach for funding such commemorations. Examples include the bronze statue of Eric Morecambe funded by donations, corporate sponsorship, and national lottery grants in his hometown; a bronze bust of Sir Bruce Forsyth at London Palladium; and a statue of Sir Terry Wogan funded by Limerick city and county council. Experience has shown that private investors are often willing to fund new monuments, allowing public and private organisations to propose, develop, and deliver memorials marking various historical moments appropriately. The debate acknowledges the positive lasting impact Sir David Attenborough has made on British broadcasting and natural history.
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.