Tackling Climate Change and Protecting Nature
The Challenge We Face
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. From rising temperatures to the devastating loss of biodiversity, its effects are being felt across the globe, and Stratford and Bow is no exception.
Our community is particularly vulnerable to the impact of poor air quality, and urban heat islands. These challenges not only threaten our health but also our shared green spaces, like Victoria Park, Wanstead Flats, and the River Lea, which are vital to our well-being and biodiversity.
Bringing my Experience and Commitment to Parliament
Before being elected as your Member of Parliament, I led one of the world’s most successful diplomatic units advocating for bold climate action in nearly 100 cities across 50 countries with the United Nations and civil society. This work taught me that change is possible when we act decisively.
Since my election, I have brought this experience to Parliament, championing climate and nature issues both locally, nationally and internationally.
Launching the Living Planet Report in Parliament
I attended the launch of WWF’s Living Planet Report, which highlights the alarming loss of biodiversity. Wildlife populations have declined by 73% over the past 50 years, but we can still reverse these trends with bold action.
Championing Clean Energy
As a member of the Bill Committee for Great British Energy, I have been working to establish a publicly owned company that will lead the clean energy transition. This is central to Labour’s climate agenda and will create green jobs and lower energy costs for my constituents.
Restoring Nature Locally
I co-chair the APPG on Waterways, advocating for the revitalization of rivers and canals like those in Stratford and Bow. These spaces are not only stunning wildlife habitats but also critical for promoting sustainability and connecting communities to nature.
Protecting Nature and Biodiversity
As the newly elected Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on International Conservation, I’m building partnerships to protect natural habitats worldwide. I was proud to have been part of the cross-party UK delegation attending Nature COP in Cali Colombia, where I spoke up for the need for urgent action to protect our planet for now and future generations.
GB Energy Bill Committee
Driving the Green Transition Climate action is at the heart of Labour’s agenda, and I’ve been proud to play a key role in delivering these ambitious changes as a member of the Great British Energy Bill Committee.
Speaking up for Innovative Climate Work
I spoke in the Global Plastics Treaty parliamentary debate to support calls for ambitious, legally binding global targets that fully recognise the harm single use plastics cause – and to plug the fantastic work already happening locally to change this.
What Labour is Doing
Labour has placed climate at the heart of its plans:
Ending Oil and Gas Dependency: Labour has lifted the ban on onshore wind and ended new oil and gas licenses while ensuring a fair transition for workers in affected industries.
Investing in Green Technology: We’re investing in carbon capture and storage, which is creating thousands of new jobs in industrial communities.
Protecting Biodiversity: A new statutory plan will focus on planting millions of trees, cleaning up waterways, and halting species decline by 2030.
These initiatives represent a stark departure from years of Conservative inaction and missed climate targets.
How You Can Help
We all have a role to play in protecting our planet. You can:
Share your views on climate action by contacting my office.
Stay informed on Labour’s climate agenda and how it benefits Stratford and Bow.
Together, we can lead the way to a cleaner, greener future for our community and beyond.