MP hosts virtual climate change lobby with South Lakes residents

Last week, local MP Tim Farron hosted a two-hour long Zoom call with residents in the South Lakes to discuss climate change.

More than 40 local residents took part asking Tim questions on a range on environmental issues from moving to more reliance on renewable energy to making it easier for people to use more environmentally friendly modes of transport.

The event was part of a national campaign organised by the group The Climate Coalition who encouraged people to organise virtual calls with their local MPs to lobby them to 'put a healthy, greener, fairer future at the heart of plans to rebuild from the Coronavirus crisis.'

Tim said: "I want to say a big thank you to everyone that took part in the virtual climate change lobby last week.

"From conversations I've had with fellow MPs we had one of the highest turnouts which shows the real strength of feeling there is in the South Lakes about tackling climate change.

"The silver lining in the dark cloud of this crisis has been improvements to the environment and so it was great to discuss on the call the ways that we can keep these improvements as we slowly come out of lockdown.

"I'm really glad that I was able to raise some of the issues that were put to me on the need for greener homes, jobs and transport when I spoke in a debate in the House on the Finance Bill just a few days later."

Harriet Fraser who helped organise the event said: "The huge turnout shows just how strong the desire is from Tim's constituents for the recovery stimulus to have nature and environmental care at its heart, including mitigation against climate change.

"Tim was really generous in giving two hours of his time, and ensuring he addressed every question. The people on the call demonstrated not just the passion for this issue, but also the skills in the local area that can help in the transition to a fairer and greener society."

Emmie Coxey, who attended the event said: "I have been politically energised by the passion and dedication shown at Cumbria's 'The Time is Now' mass lobby.

"Tim Farron was extremely empathic and personally invested in the discussions and issues raised at the lobby. These conversations are vital in keeping environmental issues at the forefront of political decisions."