Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, met constituents in Westminster during The Time is Now lobby.
The Gosport constituents were among an estimated 12,000 people lobbying their MPs for urgent action on the natural environment and climate change.
This was the largest-ever environmental lobby of Parliament, people from all corners of the UK were represented, and at least 300 MPs met with their constituents taking part in the lobby. Caroline Dinenage MP met constituents in the area surrounding the Palace of Westminster, at 14:00 the lobbyists rang phone alarms and alarm clocks to symbolise that ‘the time is now to act’.
Caroline Dinenage was urged by constituents to pass ambitious new laws that create a healthier environment for people and wildlife, and to support measures that end the UK’s contribution to climate change by 2045.
The day also saw leaders from different faith communities, gather for a ‘Walk of Witness’ from Trafalgar Square down Whitehall.
The Climate Coalition and Greener UK organised ‘The Time is Now’ lobby, these two coalitions combine more than 130 organisations and represent over 15 million people. This ranges from aid agencies like CAFOD, Christian Aid and Islamic Relief to community groups such as the Women’s Institute and environmental organisations such as WWF, National Trust and Friends of the Earth. This lobby follows global environmental protests, and the declaration of a climate and environment emergency by the UK parliament.
Caroline Dinenage MP said:
“It was inspiring to see my constituents at the biggest ever mass lobby for climate, nature and people. I completely agree with them - The Time Is Now for action in order to create a cleaner and healthier world for future generations.
“It is clear that the environmental crisis is an issue close to the hearts of many of my constituents, and from people all across the world. I’ll be working to make sure their voice is heard in parliament at this critical moment for environment.”
Shaun Spiers, Chair of Greener UK, said:
“The broad range of people and organisations supporting the lobby shows the feeling across the country that urgent action is needed, starting with an ambitious environment bill and policies that put us on track for net zero emissions by 2045. The time to act is now.”
Tanya Steele, Chief Executive at WWF, said:
“Public concern for the environment is at an all-time high, and for good reason. We are destroying the planet, and jeopardising the survival of people and wildlife. Our leaders must make bold decisions now and commit to invest in technology and policies that accelerate emissions reductions and put nature on the path to recovery.”
Director-General of the National Trust Hilary McGrady said:
“It is incredibly encouraging to see so many people here today, standing up for nature together. I’ve seen first-hand the impact of nature’s decline and a changing climate on our fields and forests, built heritage and beaches - from species of wildlife diminishing to erratic weather damaging our historic properties. We’re working hard to restore nature and find ways to adapt but are facing increasingly tougher challenges.
“It doesn’t have to be this way. We can be the first generation that leaves our seas cleaner, cities less polluted, and wild places healthier than when we found them. But to do so, we need the government to take urgent action.”
