Sir David Attenborough, Greta Thunberg and Marcus Rashford top ethics poll

Sir David Attenborough is the person whose values and ethics people would most like to see reflected across Britain when the nation rebuilds itself from the coronavirus pandemic, a survey has found.

Sir David, who has inspired generations by bringing the natural world into people’s living rooms, was voted for by nearly three-quarters (74%) of people surveyed to mark Good Money Week (October 24 to 30) which raises awareness of ethical finance.

Environmental activist Greta Thunberg came second with 44% of people wanting to see more of her ethics across Britain.

Footballer Marcus Rashford, who has campaigned on child poverty and hunger issues, and who has just been made an MBE for his services to vulnerable children, was in third place, with 39% wanting to see more of his values reflected across the nation.

The theme for this year’s Good Money Week is “clean slate green slate”, encouraging people to consider the environmental impact of their money as they start afresh and revamp their finances.

More than half (51%) of people surveyed think the Government should prioritise lowering carbon emissions when rebuilding from the coronavirus pandemic, even if that means it takes longer.

The survey also suggests that people are more likely to consider shopping ethically than they are to think about ethical investments.

Three in 10 (30%) people said they are now more likely than they were last year to choose products and services based on their environmental or social impact.

But only 5% of savers would consider investing their money somewhere with a positive impact or an ethical investment platform.

More than a third (37%) of people said they were not financially prepared for the coronavirus pandemic – and the same proportion (37%) said they are now likely to revamp their finances, the survey of more than 1,600 people across the UK found.

Charlene Cranny, Good Money Week campaigns and communications director, said: “This pandemic has been a wake up call for many of us in many different senses, but especially when it comes to our finances.

“That’s why the theme of this year’s Good Money Week is ‘clean slate green slate’, encouraging people to consider green options as they start afresh with their finances.

“As 37% of Brits are now likely to revamp their finances as a result of this wake up call, we would love to see more people considering ethical and green options for bank accounts and investing a little bit of cash into something green and sustainable.”

More information about the campaign and green options can be found at www.goodmoneyweek.com.