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The Big Ask

MPs have their say on The Big Ask

The Draft Climate Change Bill was published earlier this year. Since then, thousands of you have joined us in calling for it to be stronger.

But what do MPs think?

Until recently we hadn't heard what MPs thought of the Draft Climate Change Bill.

The reason for the silence? Over the summer no fewer than 3 different committees of MPs have been scrutinising the Bill.

They have been taking evidence from several experts - including our Senior Parliamentary Campaigner Martyn Williams.

All 3 committees have now published their reports.

Here are some highlights:

We recommend that the 2050 target be strengthened to reflect current scientific understanding.

Environmental Audit Committee

We recommend that clear annual ‘milestones’ are set.

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee

The draft Bill currently does not include ... international aviation. We consider this to be a serious weakness.

Joint Committee on the Draft Climate Change Bill

Sound familiar?

The selected comments mirror the 3 key points we have been making:

• Bigger cuts
  The Government proposes a 60 per cent cut of carbon dioxide by 2050. We need reductions of at least 80 per cent.
• Annual targets
  The Government wants five year budgets for CO₂. We want shorter targets - so politicians can't blame previous Governments for missed targets.
• Aviation and shipping
  International flights and shipping emissions are excluded. We want these included.

Tony Juniper earlier this year calling for annual targets to be included in the Climate Change Bill

It's not just Friends of the Earth calling for a stronger Climate Change Bill - now MPs agree too.

Take action

We need to keep the pressure on all MPs to ensure the Bill is a strong one. Join in and make it happen:

• Join The Big Ask online march
• Email your MP calling for a strong climate change law
• Contact us for postcards for you and your friends and family to send to your MP

In depth

Should you fancy some light bedtime reading, you can read the full reports at these links:

• Environmental Audit Committee (PDF†)
• Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (PDF†)
• Joint Committee on the Draft Climate Change Bill

†To view PDF files you will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. Visually impaired users can get extra help with these documents from access.adobe.com.

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