Cotswold MP to lead climate and nature bill through parliament with high hopes to change the law

Lib Dem MP for South Cotswolds Dr Roz Savage has announced she is backing the Climate and Nature Bill through parliament.
-Credit: (Image: Zero Hour)


The newly-elected Liberal Democrat MP for the South Cotswolds has announced a new challenge to take a landmark bill through Parliament and make it law. Dr Roz Savage, who gained the new constituency with a majority of 4,973 at the General Election, was drawn third in the a private members' bill ballot for MPs elected to the House of Commons.

MPs are given a chance to champion a bill and Dr Savage has announced that the Climate and Nature Bill (CAN) is the legislation she has chosen.

If enacted, the bill will update the UK's climate and environmental legislation in line with commitments that the government has already made internationally. Zero Hour, who are the campaign group for the CAN Bill, want to firstly see greenhouse gas emissions reduced in line with limiting global heating to 1.5oC and secondly reverse nature loss by 2030.

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The Climate and Nature Bill (CAN) is the legislation Roz Savage MP has chosen.
The Climate and Nature Bill (CAN) is the legislation Roz Savage MP has chosen. -Credit:Zero Hour

Admitting that it was a challenge to choose the subject of her bill, Roz Savage said: "The largest number of letters urged me to champion the CAN Bill, which is also a subject dear to my heart, having been an environmental campaigner for the last 20 years.

"Given that a great number of my constituents clearly care deeply about the climate and ecological crisis, as do I, my choice was clear. When rowing across the ocean, I came face to face with the immensity of the natural world and the vulnerability of our human race.

Dr Savage adds: "To stand the strongest chance of tackling the interconnected climate and ecological emergency, the UK needs a joined-up, science-led strategy. We need a bold, new, long-term plan to restore our depleted wildlife, and deliver the just transition. That means green jobs, clean air and rivers, cheaper bills, and a nature-rich UK."

Roz will now work with MPs from across the Commons to pass this Bill, and put climate and nature at the centre of cross-government missions. Her announcement has also been welcomed by Gloucestershire-based Ecotricity founder and chairman of Forest Green Rovers Football Club, Dale Vince.

Dr Amy McDonnell, co-director of Zero Hour with over 60,000 supporters across the UK said: "We’re absolutely thrilled to have Dr Roz Savage championing the CAN Bill. She understands how urgent the climate and nature crises are and we hope that her fellow MPs will seize this opportunity to support her and back the CAN Bill.”

Constituents of the South Cotswolds have urged Roz Savage to back the CAN Bill. Pictured in Cirencester, two have spoken to Gloucestershire Live to express their delight at the news
Constituents of the South Cotswolds have urged Roz Savage to back the CAN Bill. Pictured in Cirencester, two have spoken to Gloucestershire Live to express their delight at the news -Credit:Zero Hour

Some of Roz's constituents in the South Cotswolds are delighted to see their MP back the CAN Bill, including two who live in Cirencester. Kathy Butterworth said: "I'm thrilled and I really hope we can get this bill through parliament. I hope other MPs in Gloucestershire follow suit."

Constituent Shan Graebe adds: "I'm very pleased. I hope Roz's efforts can persuade government to take an important attitude to the whole future of our planet. Climate change and nature is increasing as a topic on people's minds.