Throughout their time in Opposition and their first six months in Government, Labour has spoken about the critical need to restore nature, keep global warming below 1.5ºC, and tackle what they call the “greatest, long-term, global challenge” we face: the climate and nature crisis. Yet, despite these words, there’s a glaring gap between the speeches of Ministers and the legislative action needed to deliver the “change” Labour promised. The cross-party Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill offers a bold, science-led solution—cutting emissions rapidly, reversing nature’s destruction, and kick-starting a just transition. So, with widespread support within the party and beyond, what’s the hold-up, Labour?
Since 2023, Labour has backed the CAN Bill’s “ambition and objectives”. 89 Labour MPs support the Bill (of 192 in total), the Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, pledged to deliver its ‘spirit and substance’ and the Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, was “disappointed” it failed to progress.
At the 2023 Labour Conference, and in a debate on Zero Hour’s Nature and Climate Declaration, Ruth Jones pledged to reverse biodiversity decline by 2030—bridging the gap between the Environment Act 2021, which aims to halt species loss. At the same conference, a ‘Climate Change and Ecology’ motion from Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs) ranked eighth in the most supported topics—with 73,640 votes—showing strong grassroots support across the Labour movement.
MPs like Olivia Blake and Alex Sobel, who introduced the Bill in 2023 and 2024, plus Clive Lewis, Nadia Whittome and Simon Opher have consistently sponsored the CAN Bill, while Labour-controlled councils—Manchester, Oxford, and Westminster—have passed supportive motions to express their support, alongside Sadiq Khan and the London Assembly. Mayor Khan is joined by Metro Mayors Brabin, Burnham and Skaith.
The CAN Bill’s momentum peaked at its Second Reading debate on 24 January 2025, but Government whips adjourned it, kicking it into the long grass. But in major news for the campaign, on 24 March, Steve Reed expressed his regret, saying he was “disappointed that [the CAN Bill] didn’t proceed” and “wanted to see it succeed”—while Ed Miliband welcomed Zero Hour’s work and pledged to develop “legislative proposals” with us.
Though the debate’s been rescheduled to 11 July, this is a very unlikely date for us to make progress due to private members’ bills prioritisation. And so the question looms large. If not now, when? Four hours of debate on 24 January is nowhere near suitable for a crisis that Labour deems our “greatest, long term, global challenge”.
The Bill’s mandate is undeniable: 192 MPs, 1,000 NGOs, businesses and charities, 1,200 scientists, 70,000 Zero Hour campaigners, and 385 councils all calling with one voice. Labour’s own Cabinet Ministers for climate and nature want it to succeed. Local councils, CLPs, and Labour members have spoken loud and clear. The Government could allocate more parliamentary time this session if it chose to. Any time. Any day. So why not let the debate continue?
Since January, we’ve been keeping up the pressure—supporting Clive Lewis’ Water Bill, challenging the Spring Statement and Planning and Infrastructure Bill, and urging stronger carbon budgets and biodiversity plans. But warm words from Labour leaders aren’t enough. The CAN Bill demands action now—an urgent, science-led, people-powered framework to address the climate-nature crisis at its roots.
We echo Steve Reed’s disappointment. And we welcome Ed Miliband’s commitment (and we’re still waiting to hear from you, Ed!). But we can’t let the Government whips silence this debate. Will you help us take this straight to the top?
Click below to thank Steve Reed for his support and ask him to raise this with the Prime Minister. We agree with Steve—what’s the hold-up, Keir?
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