Petition launched to reinstate 'Boaty McBoatface' name
An online petition has been launched to overturn the government's decision not to name a £200m research ship Boaty McBoatface.
Despite winning the public vote, the government decided not to name the new polar exploration ship Boaty McBoatface, instead naming the ship after Sir David Attenborough.
Since its launch the Change.org petition has clocked up over 1,700 signatures. One supporter, Jack Barnett, wrote: "We cannot let the voices of the British public be overruled by the political elite once more."
As the news that the ship would be named after him broke yesterday (Friday 6 May), Attenborough said he was "truly honoured" by the decision and that he hoped everyone who suggested a name would be "inspired to follow the ship's progress as it explores our polar regions."