Warm This Winter: What it’s like to lobby your MP for cheaper, greener energy

Communities across the UK came together to demand their MPs tackle soaring energy bills. They urged them to pledge support for insulation and renewable energy. Here’s what it’s like to take one of the country’s biggest issues to your MP.

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Greenpeace has united with over 40 groups such as Parents for Future, Fuel Poverty Action and the WI to lobby MPs for greener and cheaper energy.

Volunteers had hundreds of conversations and hosted events attended by 30 MPs. They included three cabinet members and Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey.

Local Group volunteers urged their MPs to sign the Warm This Winter pledge ahead of the energy bill’s passage through parliament. It’s a crucial piece of legislation to make sure the UK hits its 2030 climate targets. And it could make homes warmer and energy cheaper.

Three women stand in front of a park fence, on which is a road sign reading "Ham Park Rd, E7". They are dressed in warm coats and holding signs, small ones in yellow on the side and a larger red one in the middle. The yellow signs say "Help to upgrade homes" and "More targeted support now" on one side and "Access to cheaper energy" and "Free us from oil and gas" on the other. The red sign in the middle reads "Our MP has yet to support the Warm This Winter campaign". All signs include stylised icons and graphics of houses, money, windfarms and oil and gas drilling

Greenpeace UK volunteers and constituents in West Ham, London. © Greenpeace

Transforming lives through insulation and renewable energy

Shockingly, 7 million households, a quarter of the country, spent this winter in fuel poverty. 

Poorly insulated homes are contributing to 17% of all UK greenhouse gas emissions, threatening net zero targets.

Last year, households struggled to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Shell raked in a £40bn profit due to soaring energy prices after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Being part of the Warm This Winter campaign has opened my eyes to the dire situation faced by many families in our communities,” said Ronja, an Edinburgh Local Group Volunteer. “Insulation is a simple yet powerful solution that can transform lives and protect the environment.”

“With soaring prices, our campaign aimed to raise awareness about alternative energy options and shed light on the destructive nature of fossil fuels. It made me feel like I was channelling my anger into something meaningful!”
Victoria, Suffolk Group volunteer Tweet this

Proper insulation will keep homes warm and comfortable, volunteer lobbyists told their MPs.

They also asked MPs to stop fossil fuels and support renewable energy, which was nine times cheaper than gas last October. They emphasised how all these measures would create local jobs and strengthen the economy.

A man in a blue jacket approaches a blue door with his arm up as if he is about to knock on it. There is a sign partly visible next to the door with lettering suggesting it is an MP's office
A smiling man in a dark suit and yellow tie leans standing over a table, about to sign a piece of paper.

A volunteer from the Portsmouth Local Group outside Suella Braverman’s office, and Robin Walker, Conservative MP for Worcester, signing the pledge

Taking it to the top: lobbying Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey in Suffolk

The Suffolk Local Group were new to lobbying. But their outrage at the immense profits made by oil and gas giants motivated them to stand up for the millions of people who are struggling.

Victoria, Rob, and other members of the group met with their MP, Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey.

“With soaring prices, our campaign aimed to raise awareness about alternative energy options and shed light on the destructive nature of fossil fuels. It made me feel like I was channelling my anger into something meaningful!”, said Victoria, a Suffolk Group volunteer.

group of 17 people, mostly older and white, stand in front of. metal clad building with a sign reading "Suffolk Coastal Conservative Association 01473617665". In the middle one man holds a red right reading "Our MP has yet to support the Warm This Winter campaign"

Constituents at the Suffolk Coastal Office of their MP, Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey.

Coffey declined to sign the Warm This Winter pledge, but the group was glad that she agreed to meet with them.

Greenpeace Suffolk volunteers also spoke to people in Leiston, near Sizewell, where a new nuclear power station is planned. Here, Victoria saw a shift coming. “I was amazed by the number of older voters who traditionally supported the Conservatives but now plan to vote Green solely due to energy policies,” she said.

“Speaking with my MP and sharing the stories of families affected by fuel poverty was a powerful experience. It showed that collective action can create real change and ensure a better future for everyone”
Ronja, Edinburgh Group volunteer Tweet this

Campaigning on the streets of Edinburgh – and sharing heartfelt messages of struggle with MPs

The Edinburgh Local Group campaigned on the street in Portobello Beach in Edinburgh before meeting their MP, Deidre Brock MP. 

People of all ages recognised the grave threats of oil and gas to their daily lives and future. They wrote heartfelt messages to their MPs.

One mother shared her struggle, saying, “My baby is constantly crying because our flat is always cold, and heating is too expensive.”

People in a city street hold placards saying our mp supports the warm this winter campaign

Constituents meet with Deidre Brock, Scottish National Party MP for Edinburgh North and Leith (2nd from left) outside Stockbridge Library, in support of the Warm this Winter campaign. © Jon Moore / Greenpeace

Ronja, a volunteer with the Edinburgh group, felt empowered by meeting her MP.

“Speaking with my MP and sharing the stories of families affected by fuel poverty was a powerful experience. It showed that collective action can create real change and ensure a better future for everyone,” she said.

Greenpeace UK volunteers and constituents call on their MP to support warmer, greener homes now and fairer bills forever, demanding that the UK government takes immediate action. © Greenpeace

What’s next?

The mass lobby has already sparked positive change. Dozens of MPs expressed support for the pledge and acknowledged the need for affordable bills and energy efficient homes. 

But it doesn’t end here. The work will continue. The energy bill going through parliament must prioritise cheaper, greener energy – and the wellbeing of vulnerable communities.

The Warm this Winter mass lobby showed that anyone can contribute to a greener and fairer future for all. 

Want to get involved? It’s easy to join the Warm This Winter movement – you can start by emailing your MP using the button below.

EMAIL YOUR MP

Volunteer with Greenpeace

There are many ways to get involved: