Keighley and Ilkley MP “does not support” Climate and Nature Bill
Climate Action Ilkley expresses its disappointment in Robbie Moore's position.
Climate Action Ilkley and other local organisations involved with addressing the climate emergency met the MP for Keighley and Ilkley, Robbie Moore, on Thursday 18 September to urge him to support making the Climate and Nature Bill law (more on this here).
If passed, the bill would create a legally binding obligation for the government to deliver on climate and nature commitments already made, require that climate change and loss of biodiversity are considered together – as the two are clearly interconnected – and lead to the creation of a citizens' assembly on climate and nature to build consensus, reduce polarisation and provide politicians with publicly backed practical solutions.
The bill is already supported by 192 MPs – from across the political spectrum, from Labour and the Conservatives to the Lib Dems, the Green and independents – over 1,000 scientists and medics and 75,000 individuals who have signed up to the campaign to make the bill law.
In addition to Climate Action Ilkley, similar local groups in Addingham, Silsden and Riddlesden, Wharfedale Naturalists, Friends of Wharfedale Greenway, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and the Yorkshire Rewilding Network, all believe that the bill is an important step in holding the government to account for delivering on commitments to the climate and nature. Ilkley Town Council gave its backing to the bill in 2021.
Despite this level of support, Moore declined to add his weight to the campaign, saying that he does not support the bill.
Steven Webb, from Climate Action Ilkley, said: "We are glad Mr Moore took the time to meet constituents to discuss this legislation, but disappointed that he didn't agree to support it.
“We believe it is short-sighted not to take action now that will only be more costly and more difficult for everyone if delayed. Also, as the Confederation of British Industry said in their report in February this year, moving to net zero is an economic opportunity for the UK, with growth by value and jobs created in the sector increased three times faster than the rest of the UK economy between 2023 and 2024.
Increasing renewable energy produced here also gives the country greater independence at a time of international conflicts. We, and the other supporting groups, will continue to campaign to get this important piece of legislation in place so that we can all hold the current and future governments to account for the action necessary to regain the UK's leadership on climate and to protect and restore our natural environment."
To learn more about the bill, check out the House of Commons Library research briefing from February 2025. To both show your support for the bill and see where your MP stands, head to Zero Hour’s main website here.
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