A Suffolk MP has given up something slightly different for Lent this year – and has joined a group of Conservative MPs in Parliament giving up single use plastics.

Therese Coffey, who represents Suffolk Coastal, said: “I have started by carrying around my reusable water bottle, which fits into my handbag, so I can make sure I don’t buy any unnecessary drinks in plastic bottles.

“As Environment Minister, I have been working with a number of different organisations to try to increase the number of places where you can fill up your water bottle. Most coffee shops will do it for you if you ask but I am also trying to get more refill points into railway stations, airports and other transport hubs.”

Dr Coffey said the Blue Planet 2 TV series had highlighted the damage single use plastics can do to the environment and her aim was to reduce the use of such plastics.