2 days Ago
Across the UK—and particularly in coastal communities like our town—we’re already seeing the consequences of decades of inaction: rising sea levels, polluted waterways, and increasingly unpredictable weather. It’s clear we need to act. And I’m proud to say that this Labour government has a serious, ambitious, and—crucially—workable plan to do just that.
I want to be incredibly clear that sewage and waste dumped into our waters affect our environment, which affects our town and tourism. This isn’t just about the environment; it’s also about our local economy. Now, let me start by saying that I do support the spirit behind the Climate and Nature Bill.
The intentions are good, and the urgency is real, but unfortunately, the Bill itself isn’t the right solution. It’s flawed, lacks practical guidance, and risks creating unnecessary confusion at a time when we need clarity and action. The truth is, we already have the most ambitious climate and nature plan this country has ever seen.
Rather than introducing additional legislation that could distract us from the task at hand, I believe we should focus on delivering the bold agenda we already have. This Labour government isn’t just talking about the climate crisis—it’s tackling it head-on. One of our flagship initiatives is Great British Energy, a publicly-owned energy company that will turbocharge our shift to clean, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and tidal power.
This will cut our reliance on fossil fuels, bring down energy bills, and create thousands of good, green jobs across the country. In towns like ours, this means real opportunities. For too long, places like Weston have been left out of the conversation regarding green investment.
But Great British Energy is a game-changer. It brings long-term economic growth and stable, sustainable energy that benefits both people and the planet. What excites me most is that this transition isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s also about giving people a stake in the future.
Green jobs, cleaner air, cheaper bills—this is climate action that works for everyone. Another vital piece of the puzzle is our Warm Homes Plan, which tackles the climate crisis and fuel poverty. Millions of households across the UK are struggling to stay warm in homes that are poorly insulated and energy inefficient.
Our plan will change that—through investment in home upgrades, better insulation, low-carbon heating, and support for heat pump production. This isn’t abstract policy. It means real, tangible benefits: lower bills, warmer homes, and a smaller carbon footprint.
That’s the kind of win-win we need more of. The quality of our natural environment—especially our waterways—is deeply personal to me. Weston-super-Mare’s beaches and Marine Lake are more than just scenic spots; they’re the heart of our community.
Unfortunately, some of our local bathing waters—like those at Uphill and Sand Bay—are still rated as poor by the Environment Agency. This affects tourism, public health, and our pride as a coastal town. That’s why I’ve championed the Water (Special Measures) Act, which the Labour government introduced to finally hold polluting water companies accountable.
I’ve seen first-hand the impact of dirty water, and I’ve also seen the incredible work being done by local groups like the Marine Lake Mudlarks, Cleaner Coastlines, and Surfers Against Sewage. This Bill gives them—and all of us—the backing from the government to clean up our coastlines for good. It’s been amazing to see our local councils—Weston Town Council and North Somerset Council—declare a climate emergency and take meaningful steps toward becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
Whether it’s rewilding green spaces, promoting active travel, or encouraging local renewable energy, they’re showing what’s possible when communities take the lead. I’m particularly proud of the collaboration with Weston College, which is doing brilliant work on sustainability and inclusive net-zero strategies. These kinds of partnerships will drive real change, and I’m glad to see our national government backing them up with serious support.
I get why people are passionate about the Climate and Nature Bill. We all want to protect the planet. But we need to be smart about how we do it.
This government already has a clear, credible, and costed plan. The last thing we need right now is to muddy the waters with legislation that—while well-meaning—won’t deliver the change we need. So let’s not get distracted.
Let’s focus on delivering Great British Energy, insulating our homes, cleaning our waterways, and leading the world in climate action. That’s how we create a greener, fairer, and more sustainable future—for Weston-super-Mare, and for the entire country..
