MINEHEAD MP Rachel Gilmour spoke in the Second Reading of the Climate and Nature Bill on Friday, January 24 to highlight the potential benefits of the legislation for farmers in the Tiverton and Minehead constituency, as well as across the UK.

If passed, the Climate and Nature (CAN) 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.

Liberal Democrat MP for South Cotswolds, Roz Savage, is the CAN Bill sponsor for the current parliament. After re-introducing the Bill in October, Ms Savage published her updated Bill on January 22, ahead of the Bill’s Second Reading on Friday.

Lib Dem MP for Tiverton and Minehead, Rachel Gilmour, said: “The Bill strives for adaptation and recognises the urgency around developing agricultural resilience and sustainable farming practices. It paves the way for implementing much-needed financial support structures for our farmers, instead of continuing with less effective environmental policies, such as carbon capture schemes.

“This is why this legislation is not 'turning our backs' on the farming community, but instead, it sends a staunch message of support to our nation's farmers, pledging our unwavering commitment to protect their livelihoods in the face of changing circumstances.”

The Liberal Democrats chose to abstain from voting to adjourn on Friday following what they describe as “firm commitments from the Government” to further review the proposed CAN Bill legislation.

Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer commented that the abstention on a vote by Liberal Democrat members was in “exchange… for just a meeting with the Secretary of State… with an agreement to work together but with no specific commitments.”