EVESHAM’S MP Nigel Huddleston met constituents who travelled to Westminster as part of a nationwide mass lobby to urge politicians to tackle climate change.
The #TimeIsNow campaign encouraged people from every constituency in the country to travel to London and to meet MPs and discuss what they were doing to make sure climate change remains top of the agenda.
Approximately 20,000 people took part in the activities last Wednesday (June 26)
Mr Huddleston met constituents on the south bank of the River Thames, where he answered questions from local activists including Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and Greenpeace representatives. He discussed with the activists what measures the Government had already taken but also agreed more could be done to protect our environment and produce more renewable energy sources.
The UK has become the first country in the G7 to commit to reaching its targets on climate change by 2050.
“It was fantastic to meet so many dedicated Mid Worcestershire residents who travelled to Westminster to talk about climate change with me,” he said.
“I am encouraged by the progress the Government has already made in this area, including committing itself in law to reducing our carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 and its support for the UK to host the next major conference on climate change in 2020.
“However, I am fully aware we can – and indeed must – do even more to tackle the effects of climate change.”
Mr Huddleston’s afternoon with campaigners follows his petition to Parliament on behalf of a number of Mid Worcestershire constituents, who supported his campaign to urge the Government to fully support the UK’s bid to host the next international summit on climate change, COP26.
Mr Huddleston recently told outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May in the House of Commons it was essential the UK remains a global leader in tackling climate change after Britain leaves the EU and that it must not reduce its commitment or responsibility in any way.
More than 120 MPs have already pledged to back the inclusion of a target to reduce single use plastic production in the Environment Bill
Greenpeace volunteer John Allen said: “I’m shocked to discover that our county town, Worcester’s, iconic river is so polluted by plastic. It’s vital we get a legal target to slash the amount of throwaway plastic we’re producing to protect the River Severn and our local environment.”
“Mr Huddleston said he had received more e-mails about the environment and animal welfare than he ever received about Brexit and us lobbying him gave him more reason to ask for tougher changes. So he wanted us to continue to lobby.”
