On 24 January, we have a chance to make history and help progress the cross-party Climate and Nature Bill.
However, we are alarmed to hear reports that Keir Starmers' government will break with longstanding Commons tradition on private member's bills by imposing a 'government line'. Ministers are already writing to constituents claiming they cannot back it.
All we ask from Keir Starmer this Christmas is that he commits to a free vote on this Bill so that 2025 can be the year MPs commit to preserving the planet for our children to enjoy at Christmases to come. The world is watching and waiting for your answer.
Prime Minister,
Whichever side you were on, the recent Commons debate on assisted dying showed Parliament at its best. Without the weight of party whips on their shoulders, MPs showed they can grapple profoundly difficult issues of public policy, and of conscience.
The next 'big' private member's bill to come before Parliament will be the Climate and Nature Bill. This is very different in character to the Assisted Dying Bill but is just as much an issue of conscience. The Bill's subject is no less than how to maintain life on the planet we all share.
The last Labour Government led the world with the Climate Change Act 2008, which started out as a private member's bill, and created the first legally binding targets for greenhouse gas reductions. The CAN Bill would again set a British gold standard for developed nations.
If passed, it will hardwire into domestic law the UK's commitments to limit emissions in line with 1.5°C, and to place nature on a path to recovery by 2030. And it will involve the public directly in developing a fair transition to net zero.
Yet we are alarmed to hear reports that your Government will break with long-standing Commons tradition on private member's bills by imposing a 'government line'. Ministers are already writing to constituents claiming they are 'unable' to back the Bill.
We ask that you urgently clarify the position and confirm that – as with almost all other private member's bills – your own MPs will be free to make up their own minds on the Climate and Nature Bill.
All we ask of you this Christmas is that you commit to a free vote on this Bill, so that 2025 can be the year MPs commit to preserving the planet for our children to enjoy at Christmases to come.
The world is watching and waiting for your answer.
