YES WE CAN – Pass the Climate and Nature Act

My name’s Roz Savage, I’m the Liberal Democrat MP for South Cotswolds and I’m delighted to be the guest editor of this Zero Hour article. Why? Because I have exciting news that I wanted to share with you directly. Together, we have a chance to make history. 

I may be a new MP, but I’ve been an environmental campaigner for 20 years. I rowed solo across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans to raise awareness about the climate and ecological emergency because, like you, I want to see real action—now—before it’s too late. 

While out there, alone, in the middle of the ocean, I witnessed the beauty and strength of the natural world first hand, and realised how vulnerable we are to our planet’s changing climate. But now that I’m in Westminster, I intend to do everything I can to get to the root causes of the intertwined climate-nature crisis we face.

We need the strongest possible laws to meet this challenge, head on. That’s why I was so keen to put my name into the Private Members’ Bill ballot last month. When I came third in that lottery, I knew that there was legislation ready to go that has the potential to be the game-changer we need: the Climate and Nature Bill. I was lobbied by many worthwhile causes, but my choice (in the end) was straightforward. I’m proud to say that I’ll be the new champion of the CAN Bill in the House of Commons.

I know that many Zero Hour supporters have been campaigning for the CAN Bill since 2020. You’ve seen the Bill have numerous ‘first readings’, but because the last Government didn’t allocate time for those earlier versions of the Bill, we didn’t make progress. But now—and this is where it gets exciting—because I’ve topped the Private Members’ Bill ballot, we finally have a chance to progress the CAN Bill all the way. That means through the Commons, through the Lords, and then—we hope—off to Buckingham Palace for the King to sign into law.

This won’t be easy. But (as a former US President once said) we choose to do this because this challenge is one that we are willing to accept. One we are unwilling to postpone. One we intend to win. With your help, I know we CAN go all the way. Can you help me share the good news?

YES, I’LL SHARE →

Many, many CAN Bill campaigners contacted me over the last month, urging me to support the Bill after my name was selected. I want to thank you and let you know that this Bill is as important to me as it is to you. I’m looking forward to working with you as we work to turn the CAN Bill into the CAN Act. We only have a few weeks before the Bill reaches its first major hurdle—its Second Reading debate—and I need your (and everyone’s) help to ensure that enough MPs turn up on that day.

It’s critical that 100+ supporting MPs attend that Second Reading debate. This is the only way we can move the CAN Bill onto the next stage of its journey into law—Committee Stage. Will you ask your MP to attend the Second Reading of the CAN Bill?

TAKE ACTION →

The CAN Bill has the ability to make the UK a world leader in tackling the climate and nature crisis, delivering a comprehensive, joined-up plan that is (finally) aligned with what the science says is necessary. It can pave the way for a truly just transition and ensure that citizens have a real say in deciding a fair way forwards. This is a big and ambitious Bill. I wouldn’t want to put my name to anything less.

So what’s next? I’ll table the CAN Bill in the Commons for its First Reading on 16 October. And the Zero Hour team will keep you posted on the all-important Second Reading date.

Let’s make history. Yes we CAN!

Dr Roz Savage MBE
Lib Dem MP for South Cotswolds

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