The big day – CAN Bill back in the Commons!

A big day for all of us! If you tune in to Prime Minister’s Question Time at 12:30pm, Thursday 10 May, you’ll see the Labour MP—Olivia Blake—reintroduce the Climate & Nature Bill to the House of Commons!

We’re delighted that Olivia is the lead sponsor on this and positively exalted that the CAN Bill’s co-sponsors, represent such a broad political spectrum. The co-sponsors are:

Derek Thomas (Conservative), Peter Bottomley (Conservative), Geraint Davies (Labour/Co-op), Alan Brown (SNP), Brendan O’Hara (SNP), Ed Davey (Lib Dem), Wera Hobhouse (Lib Dem), Liz Saville Roberts (Plaid Cymru), Colum Eastwood (SDLP), Caroline Lucas (Green) and Stephen Farry (Alliance).

Olivia Blake MP told us: “I’m proud to be leading the charge for the Climate & Nature Bill—the joined-up, science-led plan to ensure that the UK plays its full role in reducing our emissions in line with 1.5°C, and reversing the destruction of nature. When it comes to the climate-nature crisis, it’s often said that all that’s lacking is the political will. Today, under this new environmental plan, MPs are uniting across party lines to demonstrate to the Government that we’re ready to work together to get Britain’s environmental policies on track.”

Zero Hour’s work in bringing these forward-thinking MPs together shows just how much the climate and nature crisis matters—and how it reflects the long-standing calls from two thirds of the British public for the UK Government to do more.

Last week’s local elections results stand out too, showing that voters rewarded those with green credentials—and punished parties with unambitious, or downright dangerous, environmental records. Welcoming the cross-party cooperation, Zero Hour co-director, Dr Amy McDonnell, said: “The Climate & Nature Bill has been drafted by leading scientists with the aim of locking, in law, a joined-up climate and nature plan to transition the UK to a zero carbon, nature positive future. We’re delighted that MPs of all parties are taking up the public’s call for further, faster action—and we hope that our leaders are listening.”

Developed with world-leading scientists, the CAN Bill was first introduced as a private member’s bill in the UK Parliament in September 2020 by Caroline Lucas MP and has society-wide backing from influential figures such as Mya-Rose Craig, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Prof. Joanna Haigh, Thom Yorke, Sadiq Khan and Sir David King.

Zero Hour ambassador, ornithologist and campaigner, Dr Mya-Rose Craig, said: “I’m proud to back the Climate & Nature Bill, and call on every MP and every party to get behind it. By setting a science-led environmental framework for the UK—one that’s pinned on 1.5°C and reversing nature loss—we can hold our heads high. Our precious wildlife will be given a chance to bounce back as we end the pollution of our countryside and rivers, and give nature-friendly farming a chance to flourish. Ending our reliance on deadly fossil fuels will mean cheaper, cleaner renewable energy for all—as well as cleaner air, easing the burden on the NHS. This is what the public wants. It’s what those marching outside Westminster want. It’s time to get this done.”

With the support of 30,000 members, 165 MPs and Peers from all parties, 230 local councils—plus the London Assembly and Mayor of London—as well as 450 NGOs, businesses and groups, and many of Britain’s leading climate and nature experts, the CAN Bill is in its strongest position yet. Complacency though is not an option.

As a supporter of the CAN Bill, we still need you to do what you do best: lobby your local MP.

It’s when MPs hear from us in vast numbers, that we see action—and on the wave of today’s exciting news, we need to create a surge of support to drive us forwards.

Please help us do what’s needed—right now—and within just a few moments, you can ensure your MP gets the message they need to hear.

  • If your MP SUPPORTS the CAN Bill—please tell them how much you appreciate their support!
  • If your MP DOESN’T support the CAN Bill—please urge them to get with the programme, pull their socks up, and support this urgently needed Bill (or words to that effect!).

Click here to send your message →

And if you’d like to celebrate today’s major milestone with us on Twitter, just click here.

 

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Urgent Appeal
The CAN Bill is back in Parliament. It's time for us to make history – chip in today
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