Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr is one of the most rural constituencies in Wales. Our beautiful countryside is a great asset, yet under threat. Many of our communities are on the banks of the Severn, the Vyrnwy, and the Dee, and this autumn has seen severe flooding, again made worse by man-made climate change.
We are a shining example of successful conservation efforts, too. The red kites that lend themselves to the logo of Powys County Council were once on the brink of extinction, with the few kites left in the UK clinging on in the hills of Mid Wales. Thanks to a miraculous reintroduction project there are now thousands of breeding pairs across Britain.
On Friday 24 January, a private members’ bill before the UK Parliament will seek to put a legally binding mission statement to ensure continued action on the climate and nature crisis on the statute book. I will be voting in favour of the bill.
Brought by Roz Savage MP, with cross-party support, the Climate and Nature Bill will be debated in the House of Commons on 24 January. It will legislate to create a joined-up, science-led plan to address the twin climate and nature crises, neither of which can be solved independently.
The bill will aim to cut emissions in line with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target, reverse the decline in nature by 2030, take responsibility for the UK’s overseas footprint, end fossil fuel production and imports as quickly as possible, and create a ‘Climate and Nature Assembly’ to involve the public.
I pledged during the campaign to do everything possible to tackle climate change if elected. That is why I am proud to support both the Welsh Government and the UK Government’s efforts to face the climate emergency by fixing our water sector, building flood defences, putting record investment into renewable energy resources, and decarbonising the electricity grid.
On 14 January 2024, I asked the Minister for Development what the Government was doing to demonstrate UK leadership on climate change:
“The rising death tolls from the wildfires in Los Angeles and the damage to our communities recently caused by Storms Bert and Darragh serve as clear reminders of escalating weather extremes and the urgent need to tackle the climate emergency. Will the Minister explain how the Government are actively driving efforts to cut emissions and champion clean energy, both in the UK and across the globe?”
The Minister, Anneliese Dodds, responded:
“Our thoughts are with all those hit by the dreadful crises that my hon. Friend mentions. At COP29, the UK showed leadership in setting an ambitious nationally determined contribution to cut emissions by 81% by 2035. We are championing clean energy at home and abroad, including through the launch of GB Energy and the global clean power alliance.”
The scale of the challenge means we must do as much as possible to tighten the responsibility of both current and future governments to achieve climate and nature targets. The CAN Bill does just that. I will be proud to vote for it on 24 January and hope to see it passed into law.
You can read more about the Climate and Nature Bill here.
