Culture minister Ian Murray said the Government ‘does not routinely fund such monuments’.
The Government has expressed its wholehearted support for a national monument to honour Sir David Attenborough – but declined to pay for it.
Culture minister Ian Murray said the Government “does not routinely fund such monuments”, after a petition calling for a commemorative structure reached almost 90,000.
Sir David celebrated his 100th birthday last month, with the King and the Prince of Wales paying tribute to his “lifetime of extraordinary service”.
Leading a Westminster Hall debate on the topic, Labour’s Johanna Baxter said the veteran natural history broadcaster’s “contribution to our national life is without equal”.
The MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, who launched the petition with the support of campaign group 38 degrees, was described as a Sir David Attenborough “fan girl” during the debate on Tuesday.
Ms Baxter 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.
Responding to the debate, Mr Murray said: “This country has a long and well-established tradition of commemorating its national and local individuals through statues, and memorials and monuments.
“These can serve as a long-lasting reminder of individuals and their efforts for this country, and to help bridge the gap between the past and the present.
“As (Ms Baxter) will know the Government does not routinely fund such monuments and memorials but there’s a long history of monuments and statues being funded by public subscription and the Government supports that approach wholeheartedly.”
