Urge your MP to support the Climate & Nature Bill

CALL TO ACTION for all UCU members & UCU branches to write to their MPs TODAY requesting that they support the Climate & Nature Bill on 24 January.

You can use the Zero Hour Campaign's Climate and Nature Bill page to assist you in drafting and sending a letter directly to your own constituency MP.

UCU branches can download a template letter to their MP here [137kb]

About this call to action

In line with policy set at Congress 2024 and motions passed at the Climate & ecological emergency annual meeting in November, we are writing to all members to seek their support in helping to progress the Climate & Nature Bill (CAN).

The Climate and Nature Bill is a hugely important piece of proposed legislation, essential for delivering on the government's aims to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. It has the support of MPs across the political parties but it is yet to receive Labour's firm backing. Jo Grady, UCU General Secretary along with other trade union leaders have written to Sir Keir Starmer MP and ministers to ask them to support the progression of this Bill through parliament.

There will be a vote on this in parliament next Friday 24 Jan between 9:30am and 2:30pm, and 102 MPs must vote in favour for it to progress to the next stage. Friday is a day when MPs often try to prioritise events in their local constituencies, so it is important to persuade them of the importance of attending and voting in support on that day. 

Please do write or speak to your MP to encourage them to attend and support the Bill by following the prepared drafts set out below.

The CAN Bill would establish a framework for the UK government to take a comprehensive and joined up strategy for climate and nature action, built on three pillars: climate, nature and people. It would lock Britain's international commitments into law. This means halting and reversing nature loss by 2030 (agreed in Montreal at COP15), and reducing the UK's greenhouse gas emissions in line with 1.5°C (agreed in Paris at COP21). The Bill would account for the UK's global emissions and ecological footprints, while its 'social lock' would ensure public participation will be key to its success. Through the bill's proposed climate and nature assembly, it contains provisions to ensure no one is left behind, so that vulnerable communities and workers are protected through the Just Transition we need.

UCU is fighting for education to be recognised as part of the solution. It is how the UK learns the skills and knowledge required to take action, and the source of the public benefit research into new solutions. Our educational institutions are currently significant sources of carbon emissions and nature degradation, but can become community and economic anchors for positive change.

Please write to your MP TODAY requesting that they support the Bill on 24 January.

For members: find further information and an MP contact tool on the Zero Hour Campaign website.

For branches:  We have provided a template letter [137kb], which can be strengthened through including examples from your local institution and branch.