Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with local constituents who are active members of Greenpeace. It was wonderful to see some familiar faces and to welcome a few new friends too. It’s clear there is much passion and determination within our community to take action on the climate crisis.
Our discussion covered several important issues, beginning with the Global Oceans Treaty, which the UK Government is legislating to ratify this month. The treaty is a landmark agreement that aims to protect marine biodiversity in international waters and create vast ocean sanctuaries. This represents a vital step in safeguarding our seas for future generations and ensuring that global commitments translate into real, meaningful protections.
We also discussed the Make Polluters Pay campaign, which I was proud to pledge my support to. The principle is simple, those who have profited most from polluting our planet should bear a fair share of the cost of repairing the damage. Communities both here in the UK and across the world are already experiencing the devastating effects of climate change, and it is only right that big polluters contribute towards the solutions.
Another focus of our conversation was the Climate Fund Bill. This proposal sets out plans for a Climate Finance Fund, to be raised through a levy on fossil fuel companies and other major polluters. The fund would support the transition to a low-carbon future, help build resilience in communities most affected by climate breakdown, and contribute to the wider global effort to meet our climate obligations.
I am incredibly proud to live in and represent such a climate-conscious area, where so many people are committed to protecting our environment. I find these conversations invaluable, and I look forward to our next meeting. When I was first elected as an MP, one of the issues I felt most passionately about was securing a ban on fracking and ensuring a frack-free Lancashire. At the time, I believed this battle was won, yet today the issue has reared its ugly head once again, with an emboldened reform council determined to bring it back into discussion. It is astounding that we must fight this fight all over again, but it is not one that I, nor my constituents, will ever shy away from.