On Tuesday 25th June 2019, Jonathan met with his constituents at the largest-ever environmental lobby of Parliament.
An estimated 12,000 people, from all corners of UK, attended the lobby to ask their MPs for urgent action on the natural environment and climate change. Constituents urged Jonathan 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, including former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, gather for a ‘Walk of Witness’ from Trafalgar Square down Whitehall.
‘The Time is Now’ lobby was organised by The Climate Coalition and Greener UK, two coalitions combining more than 130 organisations and representing over 15 million people – ranging from aid agencies CAFOD, Christian Aid and Islamic Relief to community groups including the Women’s Institute and environmental organisations such as WWF, National Trust and Friends of the Earth. It follows global environmental protests, and the declaration of a climate and environment emergency by the UK parliament.
Jonathan Lord, Member of Parliament for Woking, said:
“It was wonderful to see so many Woking residents making their views heard at the climate change lobby of Parliament. I was very pleased to meet with everyone and we had a wide-ranging discussion about what needs to be done locally, nationally and globally. I am now in the process of following up with those who have written to me as well. It was particularly good to talk with Emma Gallagher, who made the effort to raise the profile of this important event in our local media; it is great that young people are taking such a leading role in lobbying on this vital issue.”
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.”
