Campaign against Climate Change

More at the workshop at 12 o'clock on Saturday.

Last June Michael Meacher tabled Early Day Motion (EDM) 178, calling for the introduction of the Climate Change Bill. The Bill proposed by Friends of the Earth would require governments to set targets for reducing CO2 emissions by 3 per cent year-on-year. Each year the prime minister would have to report on carbon levels and on the progress of policies designed to curb them. If in any year the Government were more than 5 per cent off target select committees would be given the power to suggest remedial carbon cutting policies, which would then go to a vote parliament.

Thanks to the hard work of activists up and down the country a whopping 369 MP have now signed EDM 178, making it the number one EDM on the parliamentary books in this session of parliament (since May 05). That's no mean feat. There have been 2,274 other EDMs tabled since the general election and we've faced stiff competition from un-controversial EDM's like 393 Protecting Runaway Children (which is currently in the number two spot with 349 signatures).

What's even more impressive is that with 369 MPs backing the campaign, the Big Ask now has more support in parliament than the Labour party (who have just 353 MPs). 100% of Liberal Democrat, SNP, Plaid Cymru, SDLP, Ulster Unionist, Independent and Respect MPs have now signed the EDM. (Of the minor parties only the DUP have not signed unanimously). And we have a majority of both Conservative MPs (103 of 195) and Labour MPs (185 of 353).

But the campaign hasn't been won yet. There's a big difference between signing an EDM and voting for a bill when it comes to the crunch. If the government continue to oppose the measures and Labour whips bear down on MPs we'll have a fight on our hands. Nevertheless, we think we can win....but only with your help. Friends of the Earth will be at the CaCC conference on Saturday running a workshop on the Big Ask. If you want to find out what you can do to help please join us.

Friends of the Earth senior parliamentary campaigner (and the man behind the Big Ask campaign) Martyn Williams will be running the workshop at 12 o'clock on Saturday. He'll be talking about the Climate Bill concept, the progress of the campaign so far, and what you can do to help.

I hope to see you there!

Nick
Parliamentary Unit
Friends of the Earth