Mike Parker, Chair of SeSaME, writes for the Observer
AFTER our last three months as slaves to the demands of Covid-19, it’s not beyond the wits of mankind for us to know that magicking money as a tool for changing our life is here to stay. The virus has ridden roughshod over the “it can’t be done, where will the money come from?” attitude that has so often kyboshed our progress to a low carbon economy.
Covid-19 has appeared from nowhere, spoken quietly but sharply, then struck savagely. Global heating has been shouting at us for decades, painting graphic pictures on canvases from Australian fires to Yorkshire floods. Covid-19 we can contain, even with its teeth sunk deep into us. Once we pass a tipping point for irreversible climate change due to carbon dioxide emissions, that’s it.
So hang on to your hats, join me in the once fantasy land of magicking money for a low carbon economy – except it’s no more of a fantasy than government shutting down businesses and paying their worker’s salaries for them.
Let’s start with Parliament reducing its ongoing travel costs, and regenerating new jobs, by re-siting the UK’s administrative centre in the middle of the UK. No shock horror here, nor a step too far, by bringing previously unavailable and humongous advantages to our post covid regeneration. New jobs and infrastructure development; reducing MPs long distance travel, 550 miles flights becoming history; fewer and lower second home costs; MPs’ attendance improved.
It’s when listing the other consequent and immediate practical benefits that any shock turns to wonder, in an “the emperor isn’t wearing any clothes” moment. It’s a good list. Every MP having somewhere to sit – they have about 427 seats for 650 members – less confrontational siting, accommodating future pandemic security; all the new fangled computer tech at their fingertips, with their own purpose built, secure parliamentary offices.
Costume and staffing costs of maintaining our beloved traditions, re-enactments and historic structure could safely be left in the capable hands of the National Trust.
More about the practical steps easily available for a low carbon regeneration will have to wait until next time.
