Supporting the People’s Emergency Briefing
I was grateful for the opportunity to attend a recent screening of The People's Emergency Briefing in Buckingham and to discuss the issues it raises with campaigners and others afterwards.
The film left a strong impression on me. In particular, it highlighted just how interconnected many of the challenges we face have become, from climate change and biodiversity loss to food security, financial stability and even national security. The section examining climate tipping points was especially striking, underlining the importance of acting now rather than waiting until the consequences become irreversible.
One of the reasons I found the film so compelling is that it reinforced something that does not always receive enough attention: climate change is not just an environmental issue, it is a public health issue too. The air we breathe, the homes we live in, the food we produce and the resilience of our communities are all shaped by the decisions we make today.
These challenges are not distant or abstract. We are already seeing the impacts of a changing climate. Our region is experiencing drought, periods of extreme heat are becoming more common, and schools have faced disruption because classrooms have become too hot. Flooding, once regarded as a rare occurrence, is happening more frequently, while local farmers are facing increasing uncertainty about harvests and the future of food production.
Following the screening, a number of campaigners asked whether the Government could ensure that The People's Emergency Briefing is shown on national television. While I understand and respect that ambition, I do not believe it would be right for Government to direct television scheduling decisions. Broadcasters must remain independent, and decisions about what is shown on our television screens should ultimately be made by those responsible for running those organisations.
However, I do believe there is a constructive role that MPs can play in helping to raise awareness of important issues. For that reason, I have written to the Director-General of the BBC, the Chief Executive of ITV and the Chief Executive of Channel 4 to ask whether they would consider broadcasting The People's Emergency Briefing.
Having watched the film myself, I believe there is value in giving a wider audience the opportunity to engage with its message and the important questions it raises about the future of our environment, economy and communities.
One of the strongest messages I took away from the evening was the sense of urgency shared by so many people in the room. There was also a clear recognition that no single country, government or organisation can solve these challenges alone. Lasting progress depends on cooperation between governments, businesses, local communities and individuals, alongside continued international collaboration.
At the same time, it is important to recognise the positive steps already being taken. I welcome the Government's work to accelerate the transition to clean energy through measures such as ending the effective ban on new onshore wind, establishing Great British Energy, publishing the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, delivering record investment in renewable energy, improving the energy efficiency of homes and maintaining our commitment to reducing emissions while strengthening the UK's energy security.
As your Member of Parliament, I will continue to raise these issues with Ministers and officials to ensure that the climate crisis remains at the forefront of Government thinking, while remaining economically pragmatic in the face of global uncertainty. I will continue to make the case for ambitious action that protects our environment, strengthens our food and energy security, and supports communities like ours as they adapt to a changing climate.
