Prime Minister pays tribute to volunteers who cleaned beaches in West Sussex

Thursday, 8 January 2026 06:00

The Prime Minister has paid tribute to volunteers who helped clear waste and pollution from beaches along the West Sussex coast following the loss of shipping containers at sea.

Sixteen containers were lost from a cargo vessel off the Isle of Wight in early December. Most later broke apart and washed ashore along the Sussex coastline, with debris found at Bognor Regis, Selsey and Pagham Harbour. The incident involved a large-scale clean-up operation led by local authorities, environmental agencies, and community volunteers.

The issue was raised in Parliament during Prime Minister’s Questions, when the MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, Alison Griffiths, asked the Prime Minister to formally recognise the efforts of those involved. She highlighted the time and dedication shown by volunteers who turned out in difficult winter conditions to help protect the coastline and wildlife.

Responding in the Commons, Sir Keir Starmer praised both volunteers and agencies for their work. He said: “Let me join her in paying tribute to the agencies and the local volunteers who supported the clean-up efforts. They’re the very best, and I do pay tribute to them and join her in doing that.”

Local groups say the response demonstrated the strength of community spirit along the coast, with residents, charities and organisations working together to limit environmental damage.

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