Henry Smith MP has pledged to make our planet a priority ahead of WWF’s Earth Hour, the world’s largest event of its kind.

Henry said;

“WWF’s Earth Hour provides an opportunity to raise awareness of some of the biggest environmental challenges facing our generation.

“I hope by making this promise I can encourage others to make a pledge too. Together we can make a difference.

“I’ve already joined parliamentary colleagues in playing my part by giving up disposable plastic such as coffee cups, water bottles and sandwich packets throughout Lent and will continue after Easter.”

Taking place from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 24th March, the event is the world’s largest show of support for our planet. Lights around the world will go out for the hour, from the Taj Mahal to Buckingham Palace, as well as hundreds of millions of people around the world.

In the UK alone, more than eight million people and some 300 landmarks, including The Shard, Edinburgh Castle and Carnaby Street, are expected to participate.

WWF is calling on politicians and policy makers to show their commitment to tackling key environmental issues such as restoring wildlife, acting on climate change and ending plastic pollution by joining in and making a pledge.

This year WWF’s Earth Hour is also calling on people to make a #PromiseForThePlanet – a simple lifestyle change that combined with thousands of other pledges can make a big difference. The promises include refusing plastic cutlery, switching to a green energy provider and reducing the amount of meat you eat.

Tony Juniper, Executive Director of Campaigns at WWF said;

“Much of the wildlife we love is being seriously threatened by the pressures we put on our planet, including the effects of climate change, pollution, deforestation and generally living beyond the Earth’s means.

“We’re delighted to see MPs like Henry from across the UK give their support to Earth Hour and make a pledge to protect the planet. We hope they will inspire many others in their constituencies and communities to make a promise of their own.”