Last night (03 September), former environment secretary, John Gummer, Lord Deben, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his unwavering commitment to environmental causes.
Hosted by Nature 2030, an environmental campaign by Higginson Strategy, the 2024 Political Purpose Awards celebrated Lord Deben’s long-standing advocacy for climate action.
As Secretary of State in the Major Government, Lord Deben introduced the Environment Act 1995 and the groundbreaking UK Landfill Tax.
During his later tenure as chair of the independent Climate Change Committee, the UK became the first major economy to pass a net zero emissions law, supported by targets like phasing out new combustion-engine vehicles by 2040.
‘This award is a great encouragement. None of us must give up fighting to restore this amazing planet from the damage done to it by ignorance, self-regard, and greed.’
THE RT HON JOHN GUMMER, LORD DEBEN
Winner of the Political Purpose Lifetime Achievement Award 2024
Labour MP Ruth Jones won the Animal Welfare Award for her vocal support for bans on trophy hunting imports and animal welfare legislation throughout the past year.
Green Party peer Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb won the Rivers and Seas Award for her efforts in holding the government accountable for sewage pollution.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan received the Pollution, Waste and Air Award for his significant role in expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) across all London boroughs.
‘I’m delighted to accept this award in recognition of the huge progress we’ve made in cleaning up London’s toxic air with the world’s largest clean air zone. Air pollution is an issue of social and racial justice, prematurely taking the lives of around 4,000 Londoners each year and disproportionately affecting those in deprived communities. Expanding the ULEZ London-wide was not an easy decision, but it was the right one— and it’s working even better than expected. Everyone deserves to breathe clean air and I won’t stop taking action to continue to build a greener, fairer and safer London for everyone.’
SADIQ KHAN
Mayor of London
Labour MP Alex Sobel won the Habitats, Biodiversity and Green Spaces Award for introducing the Climate and Nature Bill, which seeks to formalise government targets on climate and nature recovery and establish an advisory Climate and Nature Assembly.
Ed Miliband won the Green Energy and Renewables Award for introducing pivotal policies in his first month as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, including creating GB Energy, lifting the ban on new onshore wind turbines, authorising three large solar farms, and establishing a unit to advance Labour’s 2030 decarbonisation goal.
‘I’ve come back to do the job I did 15 years ago, which is a rare privilege in politics. I’m delighted to be doing this job because it reflects the twin passions of why I’m in frontline politics, tackling inequality and tackling the climate crisis together. This mission is about energy security, it’s about family finances, it’s about good jobs for our country, and it’s about tackling the climate crisis. I’m delighted to have received this award. I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead to meet this mission for Britain.’
THE RT HON ED MILIBAND
Labour MP and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
Kirklees Council won the Green Council of the Year Award for its climate action plan, investments in renewable energy and efforts to enhance local green spaces.
The panel of judges awarded former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak a wooden spoon for rolling back key climate policies during his time in office.
This award is given to politicians who have consistently delayed, obstructed or opposed progress on environmental issues.
The awards were closed by Dale Vince OBE, green energy industrialist and founder of Ecotricity, who emphasised the importance of politicians campaigning on environmental issues.
‘At a time when Britain and the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, it’s important to recognise and celebrate the politicians who are making a difference.
‘The Political Purpose Awards spotlight the leaders who are making a tangible difference. It’s inspiring to see figures like Ed Miliband and Sadiq Khan driving meaningful change and Lord Deben’s lifelong commitment to the environment is a powerful reminder that political will is crucial in our journey towards a sustainable future.
‘These awards are not just about honouring achievements – they’re about inspiring continued action and leadership in the critical years ahead.’DALE VINCE OBE
founder of Ecotricity
Also in attendance was Baroness Sue Hayman of Ullock, Barry Gardiner MP, Will McCallum, Co-Executive Director of Greenpeace, Deputy Mayor of London Leonie Cooper, Former Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, Fleur Anderson MP and Chris Packham.
Ed Miliband MP and London Mayor Sadiq Khan shortlisted for the 2024 Political Purpose Awards.
Caroline Lucas MP wins lifetime achievement award at the inaugural Political Purpose Awards.
London Mayor and Green MP lead nominations for environmental politician of the year award.
UK’s first environmental politician of the year award launched.
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