The Environment and Climate Change

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Concern for our environment is one that I have long shared with constituents and the issue of climate change has raised awareness of this to new heights. I am pleased that Parliament unanimously agreed that we face a climate emergency and that we now have in place legislation to underpin this.

The UK is the first G7 country to legislate for net zero emissions. This is just the start.

It is good that we are setting targets but targets themselves do not reduce emissions. We need action plans to deliver the targets. Much needs to be done. I acknowledge that it is for Government to drive this forward and I agree entirely with the progress report that decisive cross-cutting action is needed. There is much work to do nationally, internationally and at a local level. 

I am meeting with groups across the constituency to listen to their specific concerns and to learn what they are doing in their communities. 

News

Trade and Agriculture Commission to be set up

The Secretary of State for Internatianl Development has announced that a Trade and Agriculture Commission will be set up to advise the Government on trade policy post Brexit. 

British Food Standards

There has been some concern that British food standards might be reduced in future trade deals. I think this may come from a mis-understanding of the Agriculture Bill in the media. 

Comment on the Agriculture Bill

A number of people claim that the Agriculture Bill sets out to reduce animal welfare and food standards. This is a misunderstanding of the Bill.

Save British Nature

The Environment Bill will place environmental ambition and accountability at the heart of Government. I am pleased that legislative measures will be introduced to address the biggest environmental priorities of our age.

Animal welfare standards and the UK’s trade policy

I firmly believe that all animals deserve to be respected and cared for throughout their lives As such, I welcome the Government’s clear commitment that future trade agreements will uphold our country’s high animal welfare standards, and also the assurance that these standards will not be watered

Local Electricity Bill

Those interested in how Parliament works will have noted that during the Coronavirus crisis we are doing things in different ways.  One aspect of this is that the number of occasions to put forward new Bills has been reduced.  So it is with the Local Electricity Bill of which I am in favour. 

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Energy Efficiency in Building

John joined in the Westminster Hall debate today on energy efficiency in building to achieve net zero. 

Trophy Hunting

I truly believe that, as sentient beings who can experience fear and pain, all animals should be treated with thought and care. Trophy hunting involves pursuing an animal in conditions which cause that animal large amounts of stress, fear, and ultimately pain.

Protecting oceans

Our oceans are currently facing unprecedented challenges.  These include climate change and over-fishing. It also includes the prevalence of plastics. That is why it is more important than ever to take action to ensure our seas are healthy, abundant and resilient.

Further reflection on the Oxfordshire Cambridge Expressway

John has long taken a keen interest in proposals for the expressway and has followed the work closely to review what is coming forward at each step of the way. In the light of the recent County Council decision to oppose it in any form he has again reflected on this.