Let’s Keep the Pressure on for Change!

By Jane Healey

On 2nd July, a couple of days before the Election, a Climate Change Hustings was held in the South Downs and Arundel Constituency.  This was organised by members of Harting Climate Action Network and Eco Rother Action (CAN-DO).

Five of the six candidates attended - Richard Allen, Lib Dem; Steve McAuliffe, Green Party; Chris Philipsborn, Labour; Mike Smith, SDP; David Thomas, Reform UK.  Andrew Griffith, Conservative, was unable to attend.

The event was chaired by Rupert Grey, FRGS. Rupert stated the bare facts of the Climate Emergency.  He was very direct in his approach and was able to bring those to account to explain their answers which sometimes were unclear.

The climate related questions included:

• Will your party ban the use of neonicotinoids and other harmful insecticides?

• Will your party ensure better oversight of industry and regulatory agencies such as OFWAT and Environment Agency to curb polluting businesses?

• As much of this constituency is within the SDNPA, how does this impact achievement and climate change policies?

• From an eight-year-old stating his love of nature and community - What will the World look like when I am able to vote?

Since the hustings Andrew Griffith has become our MP, covering the newly drawn up constituency. It’s up to us to keep putting pressure on him, the Government and the opposition to put the climate emergency as a priority.