Since 2020, I’ve been immensely proud to contribute to Zero Hour’s campaign for the Climate and Nature Bill. But after nearly 15 years of campaigning in Westminster, my partner and I are now taking a break to rest, recuperate, and travel the world.
The journey has been extraordinary, and I’m deeply grateful to the 73,000 citizens, thousands of allies—scientists, charities, unions, businesses, faith groups, councils, NGOs, and politicians—and countless others who made it possible. The support of dedicated CAN Bill campaigners over 2019-25 has been nothing short of inspirational. Equally remarkable are the herculean efforts of activists, volunteers, staff, NEDs, and ambassadors—past and present—fuelled by generous donors and led with unwavering commitment by Amy McDonnell.
Together, we’ve built a powerful alliance for the CAN Bill—the science-led legislative framework to tackle (what Labour’s manifesto calls) “the greatest, long-term, global challenge we face”: the climate and nature crisis.
Our collective efforts powered the work of Parliamentarians including Caroline Lucas, Lord Redesdale, Olivia Blake, Alex Sobel and Roz Savage—plus co-sponsors, including Clive Lewis, Simon Opher, Nadia Whittome, Roger Gale, Simon Hoare, Pippa Heylings, Carla Denyer, Llinos Medi and Kirsty Blackman—who pushed the CAN Bill to its historic second reading in January.
On 1 May, we marked the sixth anniversary of the House of Commons’ declaration of an environment and climate emergency—a moment when heroic activists elevated this biggest issue to the top of the agenda. Yet, as Environment Secretary Steve Reed MP notes, Britain remains one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth. And at COP 29, Keir Starmer MP warned that global warming beyond 1.5°C risks exposing thousands in the UK to floods, economic instability, and national security threats. This remains an emergency.
Zero Hour’s latest campaign, REAL Change, which launched last week, is rallying people across the nations to urge the UK Government to allocate time for further debate on the CAN Bill. Powered by tireless grassroots campaigners and over 250 supporting Parliamentarians, Zero Hour will continue pressing Labour—as we did the Conservatives—to lock science into law, meet Britain’s 2030 international commitments, integrate siloed climate and nature plans, and centre citizens’ voices in a nature-rich, just transition.
Labour has a historic opportunity to deliver REAL Change. And if there’s one lesson I’ve learned since 2020, it’s that change only happens when we unite our voices. That’s what gives me hope. Things CAN get better. Zero Hour fights on.
JOIN US, TAKE ACTION NOW, LET’S DEMAND REAL CHANGE FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
