Havant climate campaigners deliver demands for sustainable coronavirus recovery to MP Alan Mak

A group of keen environmentalists delivered a letter to the Havant MP on Thursday which calls for a green new deal to protect public services, tackle inequality and provide secure well-paid jobs..

A wide range of organisations have got on board to sign the letter, which comes as part of the national Build Back Better Campaign, including Havant Fair Trade, Havant Climate Alliance, Cycle Hayling and South Downs Peace Group.

Organiser Margaret Lockyer, from Bedhampton, has been pleased with the show of support from people across the area.

Margaret said: ‘What we want is for Alan Mak to write to Boris Johnson and to the chancellor saying these groups in my constituency want you to think about these issues when you’re looking at the autumn budget and comprehensive spending review.

‘I think everyone is really aware of how little time there is but this is an opportunity that we have to build back better. Because things have got to change anyway, let’s make them change for the better.’

Pat Brooks from Friends of the Earth and Havant Climate Alliance is keen to see people paying attention to the science behind climate change.

She said: ‘With so many people unemployed, this is a time when we could be looking at creating more green jobs.

‘Increase in carbon levels is driving climate change and people are saying that the climate has always varied naturally but scientists are saying the more extreme climate change we’re now seeing is way beyond what we would expected to occur naturally.

‘The science is all there but I think a lot of people haven’t really wanted to look at it.’

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Government action is key to reducing the impact of climate change, said Graham Crane of Havant Climate Alliance.

Graham, who recently joined Friends of the Earth, added: ‘The biggest problem is reaching this magic 2050 to be carbon neutral, that can’t be done without massive government activity. Massive investment in renewables has got to happen and it just isn’t.’

For more information about Build Back Better, or to read the letter in full visit havantclimatealliance.wordpress.com/build-back-better

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