Residents call on Jess Brown-Fuller MP to vote for landmark Climate and Nature Bill

If made law, the Climate and Nature Bill (or “CAN” Bill) would ensure that the UK has a joined up, science-led and people-powered plan to tackle climate change and nature loss, together. It is supported by 187 MPs, 372 local councils, 1,000 organisations, and over 1,200 leading UK climate and nature scientists.

The CAN Bill is being championed by Dr Roz Savage MP (Lib Dems), a longtime environmental campaigner and world record breaking solo ocean rower. She is supported by 11 co-sponsors from Labour, Conservatives, Lib Dems, Greens, Plaid Cymru, and SNP.

Local MP, Jess Brown-Fuller, couldn’t attend the event, but sent the following message: “Over recent weeks and months I have heard from countless people here in Chichester about just how worried they are about the future of our environment.

“That is why I am extremely proud to back Roz’s bill which represents our best chance of protecting our natural environment and building the industries of the future.

“After years of the previous Conservative government’s failure to live up to our international obligations, this bill can put the UK back on track to meet our commitments and give the next generations the security that they deserve.

“It is an opportunity that we cannot pass up and I hope that the government works with us to get this landmark legislation passed.”

Adrian Moss, Leader of Chichester District Council, and Jonathan Brown, Deputy Leader of Chichester District Council and Cabinet Member for Environmental Strategy, did attend the event and Jonathan said:

"I am sure there are many councils, up and down the country, in our position - of being desperate to take more meaningful action to fight climate change and restore nature. It's not only a matter of money, though continued cuts to local government funding are clearly a problem. Local authorities need to be given greater powers, responsibilities and statutory duties to do what must be done, including to be able to give appropriate weight to climate and habitat concerns in decision-making, including and especially in planning."

The Climate and Nature Bill requires the Government to deliver a joined-up strategy to tackle the intertwined climate and ecological emergency. This means integrating existing, siloed climate and biodiversity plans—and aligning the Government’s targets with the UK’s international commitments to (1) limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, and (2) halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. Neither of these essential targets are currently locked in UK law.

In September over 1,200 UK climate and nature scientists – including 5 Nobel Prize winners – wrote to every MP in Parliament urging them to get behind the CAN Bill. It comes as the globe is being ravaged by record rainfall and deadly floods from Central Europe to Mexico to the US, all made worse by the impact of man-made climate change. Meanwhile, the Met Office has warned that this winter will bring devastating floods to homes and businesses across the UK.

Dr Amy McDonnell from Zero Hour, the campaign team supporting the CAN Bill says: “The Climate and Nature Bill is our last, best chance to ensure that the UK rises to the challenge of the crisis we’re facing. Previous governments have already pledged, alongside 196 other nations, to achieve the 2030 targets the Bill would make law. But at present, these targets aren’t legally binding and our existing legislation isn’t robust enough to ensure they’re met. The CAN Bill, written by scientists, will enable the UK to do everything it has promised and ensure a liveable future for all. These residents are desperate forJess Brown-Fuller MP to vote for it and I hope they’ll be present at the historic debate on Friday 24 January.”