Are you scared to turn on the news right now? So many places have suffered devastating wildfires and other climate impacts.
People in the UK are facing sky-high energy bills and cost of living, a struggling economy and an NHS on its knees. For people all over our country, these aren’t crises, they’re scandals – and they are a political choice.
Politicians are putting big business over ordinary people – but voters can change this
The next election is a crucial turning point for the climate. And choosing the right party, that makes the right choices on energy, will stop the scandal of high energy bills and cost of living in the UK.
Most of us want the same things. Affordable, good quality homes, clean air, better public transport and lower bills through cheap and clean renewable energy. Safer, quieter streets and cleaner air with reliable and accessible public transport. A safe climate and a country full of nature for young people to inherit.
Voters need better options to vote for – here’s how we can get those options on the ballot papers.
Elections are a chance to vote for better policies – and hold leaders to account
The election will happen in 2024. Ahead of that there are plenty of opportunities to influence the issues that each political party will prioritise.
In the run-up to an election, all parties will be listening to voters to see what is important to them. This is how they develop their manifestos – the collection of policies they commit to delivering if they form the next government.
Now is a really important time to make sure our politicians hear from us.
If enough people join this movement, political parties will be forced to champion green policies to win votes in the next election. Green policies are also policies for cheaper energy, better public transport, better health and a cleaner environment. And people want them on their ballot papers.
This open letter is just the start of something much bigger: an unprecedented mass mobilisation campaign to recruit one million climate voters ahead of the general election.
Through this we can ensure the next government, whoever it is, prioritises the health of people and the planet, not the profits of billionaires.
Open letter to leaders of all UK political parties
To political party leaders,
Our country is broken. For too long politicians have chosen the interests of big business over ordinary people. We’re sick of getting poorer, whilst companies trash the natural world and line their pockets from our inflated bills.
We face many crises – climate, cost of living, energy security, inequality and the challenges to our economy. The clear solutions to them all lie in more ambitious climate policy, not less.
We’re joining together to demand a safe climate and a future where the next generations can flourish. You have to invest in good quality, affordable homes powered by cheap and clean renewable energy. We want safer, quieter streets and cleaner air through reliable and accessible public transport. And you must restore our nature-depleted land – this is vital for our food security and to ensure young people inherit a country rich in wildlife.
We have the answers, what’s lacking is your political leadership.
Fossil fuels need to become a thing of the past. That means no new oil and gas and no more unjust profits for fossil fuel bosses. The biggest polluters must be taxed for the destruction they’re causing to our planet. And workers in polluting industries must be supported into good green jobs.
We will judge you at the next election, you have to step up. Securing a liveable planet hinges on actions taken by the end of this decade. The failure of successive governments has got us into this current mess, but your decisive actions can get us out of it.
A brighter future for all is within our grasp if you are bold and brave enough to deliver it.
We are fighters, we are voters and we demand better.
With power and unity,
The undersigned
Signatories so far
- Aisling Bea
- Bella Ramsey
- Benedict Cumberbatch
- Bimini Bon Boulash
- Debbie Harry
- Emilia Clarke
- Emma Thompson
- Frankie Boyle
- Jessie Buckley
- Jessie Mei-Li
- Joe Lycett
- Kwajo Tweneboa
- Mark Rylance
- Massive Attack
- Mel B
- Olivia Colman
- Paapa Essiedu
- Paloma Faith
- Peter Capaldi
- Richard Curtis
- Rose Leslie
- Simon Amstell
- Simon Pegg
- Siobhan McSweeney
- Stephen Fry
- Thom Yorke
- Will Poulter
And over 106,000 people around the UK.
