• Labour have brought forward a motion to declare an environmental and climate emergency 
• Global temperatures are set to rise over 1.5C in under 12 years 
• Plymouth City Council have already declared a climate emergency 

Today Labour will bring forward a Parliamentary motion to declare an environmental and climate emergency. With global temperatures predicted to rise by 1.5C in under 12 years and species loss a growing problem worldwide, all the signs are there that humans are damaging the planet with catastrophic consequences. 

Fears over rapidly increasing air pollution and climate change-induced water shortages have resulted in councils across the UK declaring climate emergencies, including Plymouth City Council. Recent protests and school-strikes have demonstrated the need for action on the climate crisis.   

Commenting on the move, Luke Pollard MP said: 

 “As a Shadow Environment Minister I often have the chance to speak about the environment in Parliament, and since that day I have repeatedly challenged the Government to declare a climate emergency. They have refused on every occasion. 

 

“65 young people from Plymouth joined me and Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council and wrote to Michael Gove urging him to reconsider. In a recent debate on the Government’s 25-year environment plan, I also called on Ministers to recognise the importance of cross-party working and declare a climate emergency.

 

“Yesterday I asked the Minister what he had taken away from Greta Thunberg’s powerful advocacy. Labour has listened to the calls of young people striking for climate, why won’t the Conservatives?”