Fossil Free UK
Speak Up! Week of Action
8th – 16th October
This October 8th – 16th, thousands of people across the country will be hosting events and meeting with their MPs to show their concerns about climate change, and pushing for action.
Three quarters of the British population say they want government action on climate change, yet MPs say this is an issue that rarely makes their inbox.
In the wake of the Paris agreement and a tumultuous post-Brexit political landscape, we need more than ever to reaffirm a strong cross-party consensus on the need for serious action on climate change and the building of a just, sustainable economy and future.
Get Involved!
Everyone is invited to take part – you can register to organise an event, or join in with one happening near you.
Events can be as simple as a visit to an MPs office, inviting them to an event (there’s everything from nature walks to coffee mornings) or taking action and showcasing it to your MP if they can’t make it. The crucial thing is that MPs hear from as many constituents as possible that climate change is important.
Organiser Support
There are lots of helpful resources about organising events and talking to MPs, including:
- A participant’s map to help link up with others locally
- A guidance webinar on ‘Speak Up – Talking to your MP’ (Thurs 29th Sept, 1-2pm)
- Training sessions around the country from Hope for the Future, or one-on-one telephone support for specific guidance (contact them directly to arrange a time)
Any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch – I’ll be happy to help: danni@350.org.
Key Demands
We’ll be asking MPs to ratify the Paris agreement, and pushing for an ambitious low carbon investment plan to deliver 100% clean energy within a generation, or joining the environment pledge.
There are briefings available to hand to your MPs, but you don’t need to be an expert. This is about normal people, raising normal concerns about climate change.
You might also want to bring up the new campaign to divest the MPs pension fund (coming soon), or the fact that over the next few weeks people are going to be shutting down fossil fuel conferences, taking on Barclays over their fracking investments and ramping up the fight – and so should our MPs. (more information to follow!)
Most importantly – this is about building a relationship with your MP, and showcasing the depth and breadth of support for action on climate change from people in the community.
This is an important moment to build consensus for climate action and a better future. Please do sign up now, get organising across your communities and keep building the sort of movement that MPs have to listen to.
‘Speak Up’ is being organised by The Climate Coalition, a diverse group of over 100 organisations across the UK working for action on climate change, and 100% clean energy within a generation.