David Attenborough statue: Calls for monument to honour ‘true national treasure’ - where could it go

Following mounting calls, and a petition receiving almost 90,000 signatures, MPs are set to debate the possibility of a permanent national monument to honour Sir David Attenborough. The centenarian, described as a “true national treasure”, celebrated his 100th birthday last month with the King and the Prince of Wales paying tribute to his “lifetime of extraordinary service”.

Labour’s Johanna Baxter, who is leading the Westminster Hall debate, said the veteran broadcaster’s “contribution to our national life is without equal”, as she called for a public monument to honour his work.

The petition, started by campaign group 38 degrees, states there is immense public demand for a commemorative structure and has reached 89,320 signatures. A parliamentary debate to discuss the “potential merits of Government support for a permanent national monument for Sir David Attenborough” is scheduled to take place on Tuesday (June 9) from 4pm until 4.30pm.

Ms Baxter, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, said: “Sir David Attenborough is an icon of broadcasting, a steadfast champion of the natural world, and an educator who has brought science and the environment into the homes of millions.”

“As we mark his 100th birthday, it is only right that Parliament honours this moment by calling for a permanent public monument, one that reflects the profound and lasting impact he has had on British life and on our understanding of the natural world,” she added.

Matthew McGregor, chief executive of 38 Degrees, said: “Sir David Attenborough is a true national treasure, and this campaign has now moved from a public rallying cry directly on to the floor of Parliament. With a formal debate now locked in, and dozens of MPs backing the call, momentum to make the monument a reality is growing rapidly.

“The British public has made its feelings abundantly clear, and now cross-party MPs are standing up to echo that demand. The Government has a historic opportunity to back a permanent tribute to a man who taught generations of us to protect our planet.”

David Attenborough statue - where could it go?

• Isleworth, Middlesex: Sir David was born in Isleworth in 1926, so would be the obvious choice for a statue to commemorate the legendary naturalist.
• University College, Leicester: However, the ambassador for nature actually grew up in College House on the campus of University College in Leicester, where his father, Frederick, worked as principal.
• Clare College, Cambridge: This was where Sir David obtained his degree in natural sciences after winning a scholarship to Cambridge University in 1945, studying geology and zoology.
• Richmond upon Thames, London: Sir David has spend most of his life though in the capital, working for the BBC and residing in his Edwardian house in leafy Richmond upon Thames since 1952.