Climate and Nature Bill Update: Securing Progress for the Environment

Following the second reading of the Climate and Nature Bill on Friday 24th January, Roz Savage MP reflects on what the Bill has achieved.

Whilst the Climate and Nature Bill was adjourned at its second reading in the House of Commons on Friday 24th January, its principles and objectives are already shaping environmental discussions within government. Thanks to some tough negotiating by Roz Savage, backed by her co-sponsors and campaigners, key elements of the Bill are being actively considered in policy development.

Roz, who introduced the Bill shortly after becoming MP for South Cotswolds, has secured commitments from government ministers on crucial environmental measures.

Roz said:

“Naturally, I and many others had hoped the Climate and Nature Bill would move to the next stage of the parliamentary process. However, through negotiations with ministers, we have secured real progress. The government has committed to a significant number of measures, specifically around the restoration of nature, accounting for emissions and nature impacts overseas, public engagement, and closer collaboration between the respective committees on nature and climate change. I will be pressing them to ensure these commitments are met.

These commitments were reaffirmed in a video message from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, which is unprecedented for a Private Members Bill.”

This progress was already evident just days later, when Roz Savage MP met with the Minister for Nature at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Mary Creagh, on Monday 27th January to put these commitments into action.

Their discussions covered key environmental policy priorities, including nature restoration, green finance, and ways to strengthen parliamentary engagement with climate and nature issues. The meeting also explored strategies for supporting farmers in ecological stewardship, fostering collaboration between government and NGOs, and developing community-based environmental projects.

Roz added:

“Success comes in many forms. In the case of the Climate and Nature Bill, success on this occasion may not have been getting it into law, but we have achieved important victories and brought a powerful coalition together inside and outside Parliament, which I believe will translate into visible and measurable results for our wonderful nature.”

The lively debate in Parliament on 24th January demonstrated the breadth of support for urgent action on climate and nature. Its impact is already being felt, with further discussions and initiatives underway to ensure its core principles are reflected in future policies.

Roz expressed her thanks to:

“...The Zero Hour campaign team, who have been passionate and professional throughout; the huge numbers of people around the country who wrote to their MPs and championed our cause; the scientists, faith leaders, athletes and advocates who lent their names and reputations to the cause; the charities and non-governmental organisations that backed the campaign; my 11 amazing MP co-sponsors of the CAN Bill drawn from all the main Parties, who gave precious time and words of wisdom; my Liberal Democrat colleagues who turned out in force for the debate and backed me to the hilt; and of course my parliamentary and constituency teams who have supported me throughout, and worked extra hard to make sure we continued to support and help local residents, businesses and community organisations during this very busy time.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Roz Savage MP’s full statement on the CAN Bill can be found here.
• Photo is of Roz Savage and Mary Creagh
• A video to Ed Miliband’s statement on the Climate and Nature Bill can be found here.