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Regulating sewage discharge
OEP finds failures to comply with environmental law in relation to regulatory oversight of untreated sewage discharges.
17 December 2024
A majority of Brits (61%) say the fight against climate change is ‘too big’ for ministers to tackle alone, and that ministers should consult the public on their net zero plans.
Nearly three-quarters (72%) also say jobs must protected in the UK’s journey to net zero, while two-thirds (67%) want the government’s green policies to be guided by scientific experts.
In a blow for ministers, just two in five voters (42%) believe the Labour Government is more ambitious on the environment than the previous Conservative cabinet.
The research also found three in five (60%) identified Donald Trump’s re-election as a major threat to the global fight against climate change, with a similar number (57%) arguing the UK should step up its green policies in response.
The research, commissioned by environmental campaigners Zero Hour, comes ahead of the landmark Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill, which is set to be debated in Parliament on 24 January.
Led by Lib Dem MP Dr Roz Savage, the CAN Bill sets out bold plans to boost Britain’s emissions reduction targets and restore nature.
If passed, it would also see the creation of a Climate and Nature Assembly to ensure ministers consult the public on their net zero plans.
The Bill is a similar backbench mechanism to Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s Assisted Dying Bill, which was approved by MPs during a free vote in Parliament last month. This meant MPs were free to vote in accordance with their conscience.
Climate campaigners are calling upon the Government to ‘back, not block’ the CAN Bill when it is voted on by MPs next month. To date, more than 250 Parliamentarians across the main parties have thrown their weight behind the Bill.
While in opposition, Labour supported ‘the ambition and objectives’ of the CAN Bill. Campaigners say pressure is growing on ministers to reaffirm their previous commitments.
‘This landmark poll shows the public are right behind us. 61% of Brits believe the fight against climate change is too big for politicians to do alone.
‘A Climate and Nature Assembly will guide ministers to deliver a comprehensive, integrated plan to protect our planet for future generations.’AMY MCDONNELL
Co-director of Zero Hour
The Climate and Nature Bill is guaranteed a five-hour Parliamentary debate during its second reading on 24 January 2025.
The Bill, sponsored by Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage, is backed by some 250 Parliamentarians, including Sir Ed Davey, Carla Denyer and Zac Goldsmith. It enjoys the support of tens of thousands of members of the public, more than 1,100 businesses and organisations and 1,000 climate and health experts.
High-profile endorsers include Co-Operative Bank, The Body Shop, Oxfam, Save British Farming, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Ecotricity, The Wildlife Trusts and Triodos Bank.
‘The CAN Bill makes the UK a world leader in tackling the climate and nature crisis. That leadership is needed now more than ever with the US set to be taken over once again by a climate denier.
‘The legislation I am proposing would put net zero plans to a real jury trial through a groundbreaking assembly of ordinary citizens, making sure we save the planet without leaving anyone behind.
‘Parliament is ready to act but we need the Government to back and not block the Bill so MPs can vote with their own hearts in the New Year.’ROZ SAVAGE MP
Climate and Nature Bill sponsor
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