MINEHEAD’S MP has backed a new landmark bill that would put the UK back on course to meet its international climate and nature targets.
Mrs Gilmour, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, has thrown her support behind the Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill because “the future of the environment” is among the key issues raised by her constituents.
If passed, the Bill would update the UK’s climate and environmental legislation in line with commitments that the Government has already made internationally — first, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with limiting global heating to 1.5°C and, second, to reverse nature loss by 2030.
By doing so, it would put the UK back on track to meet its climate and nature commitments and has already attracted the support of major figures such as Chris Packham, Deborah Meaden, and former net zero tsar Chris Skidmore who said the government should enact this “Climate Change Act 2”.
The legislation is to be introduced by Lib Dem MP Roz Savage who holds four World Records for ocean rowing, including being the first woman to row solo across the atlantic, pacific and Indian oceans.
Rachel Gilmour MP said that this legislation was our “best chance” to tackle the enormous challenges that our natural environment and climate faces and that they would push the government to support the bill.
Earlier this year, the Climate Change Committee (CCC), the independent organisation which advises on climate issues, described the current progress as “worryingly slow”. It is hoped that this legislation will be a positive step in the process of safeguarding the natural environment for the future.
She said: “Over recent weeks and months I have heard that one of the key issues for people here in Tiverton and Minehead is 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.”