On the crack of dawn on 14 January, Dr Roz Savage MP took to the waters of the river Thames to row past the houses of parliament to raise awareness of the vital second reading of the Climate and Nature Bill on 24 January.
Joined by fellow Liberal Democrat MP, Pippa Heylings and London 2012 Gold medalist Etienne Stott, Roz returned to the sport which she first embarked when rowing across 3 oceans to highlight the environmental crisis. She once again used rowing to capture the attention of MPs and Media of the importance that we act on the science of the climate-nature crisis by progressing legislation on the biggest challenge of our time. Upon finishing the morning, the CAN Bill sponsor highlighted “Yet again I’m taking up my oars for the cause. We had beautiful flower arrangements on the boats, to bring a bit of nature to Westminster. Today was our big chance to get a blaze of publicity right outside Westminster. MPs came out to greet us, to cheer us, as we rode past—this really is the final countdown to the Climate and Nature Bill’s crucial Second Reading date on 24 January.”
The moment was captured by media, including LBC, Times Radio, Sky News, and the Independent, when Roz Savage MP stressed the importance of cross-party cooperation in delivering on our international commitments to decarbonisation and biodiversity.
📻 @DrRozSavageMP: “The #CANBill aims to put into UK law the key commitments that the UK Government has made—under international treaties—to restore nature and to address the climate crisis, whilst bringing the public with us on that journey.” @timesradio @hugorifkind pic.twitter.com/0XAwlXUgPj
— Zero Hour @zero-hour.bsky.social (@zerohour_uk) January 14, 2025
Whilst watching rowers from a safety boat, Pippa Heylings MP (CAN Bill co-sponsor) stated “There is huge cross-party support amongst all MPs for the Climate and Nature Bill. It’s our DNA to keep our rivers clean and that means we’ve got to make sure that we’re dealing with both climate and nature—which is what the Climate and Nature Bill is doing.”
The support for the CAN Bill also extends to atheles including Olympian Canoeist Etienne Stott MBE who emphasises “Its really great here that we’re on the River Thames with the rowers, connected to nature. That’s what the Climate and Nature Bill is all about—recognising the contribution and importance of nature, and protecting it forwards for future generations.”.
The support the efforts were followed up by Olympic rowing bronze medalist Sarah Winckless MBE who stated on LinkedIn “It’s fantastic to see Roz Savage pick up her oars once again and lead the charge by progressing this groundbreaking Climate and Nature Bill through Parliament. As rowers, we know how critical it is to restore nature and protect critical ecosystems here in the UK, and around the world. Healthy rivers, oceans and waterways are essential—not only the future of our sports, but also the future of our health.”
The Climate and Nature Bill is heading to its historic Second Reading in the House of Commons on 24 January before progressing through Parliament. Will you join 54,000+ supporters and email your MP today—asking them to back the CAN Bill. If your MP has already pledged their support, to ask that they vote in favour of it at its Second Reading?
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