Boris Johnson wishes Sir David Attenborough a happy 95th birthday

Boris Johnson has wished happy birthday to Sir David Attenborough as the great naturalist turned 95 today.

The Prime Minister joined politicians, broadcasters and thousands of fans in congratulating Sir David and celebrating his work as an environmentalist.

Mr Johnson’s wishes come ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), which was launched by the Prime Minister and Sir David last February.

The conference, which is to be held in Glasgow, was delayed because of the Covid pandemic and has been rescheduled for November this year. 

Boris Johnson has wished happy birthday to Sir David Attenborough (pictured together at the Science Museum in London for the launch of the UK-hosted COP26 UN Climate Summit in February last year) as the great nationalist turned 95 today

Pictured: Sir David sits with mountain gorillas on location for his documentary Life On Earth in Rwanda in 1979

Writing on Twitter this morning, Mr Johnson said: ‘I’d like to wish Sir David Attenborough a very happy 95th birthday. 

‘His championing of the need to protect our planet has inspired millions. 

‘The work continues at COP26 this year, where we’ll urge the world to take action to preserve our environment for future generations.’

He was joined in sending his warm wishes to the naturalist by fellow Conservatives Alok Sharma and Zak Goldsmith.

The former employment minister and president of COP26 Mr Sharma wrote: ‘Happy birthday to one of my childhood heroes, Sir David Attenborough. 

‘Thank you for continuing to inspire us all.’

And minister of state for pacific and the environment Zac Goldsmith said: ‘Happy birthday Sir David Attenborough — a man for whom the term National Treasure was invented.

‘We are all indebted to you — even those who don’t yet realise it!’