A FORMER leader of the Conservative Party has committed to reduce his use of plastics to save the world's oceans.

Iain Duncan Smith, MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, became one of 113 parliamentarians to back the Sky Ocean Rescue campaign when he signed the pledge on Tuesday, February 6.

Launched last month, Sky Ocean Rescue encourages people to minimise plastic use by highlighting the material’s effects on the world’s seas.

Mr Duncan Smith said: “Sky have been working hard to raise awareness of ocean health and I am delighted to join their campaign and look at ways to reduce my own plastic consumption.

“It is deeply worrying that there are 5 trillion pieces of plastic in the world’s oceans, with 8 million tonnes more ending up there every year.

“We all have a role to play in protecting our oceans – that’s why I have signed my pledge to #PassOnPlastic and encourage others to do the same.”

Click here to find out more about the campaign.