POLAR OCEAN CHALLENGE

Early day motion 445, tabled 13 September 2016 by James Gray (Conservative). Signed by 38 members.

That this House congratulates the great British explorer David Hempleman-Adams and his team on-board the 42 foot aluminium hulled yacht, Northabout, for successfully transiting the North East Passage and the North West Passage, thereby circumnavigating the North Pole in a single Arctic summer on 12 September 2016; notes that this is a feat never before achieved by a British boat and so is a singular record in the annals of Great British exploring; while rejoicing in that accomplishment, nevertheless expresses concern that this is clear evidence of the speed at which the Arctic sea-ice is retreating; and calls on the Government to renew its efforts to combat climate change.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 15, Conservative 8, Labour 6, DUP 3, UUP 2, Independent 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.