In the largest-ever environmental lobby of Parliament, organisations and constituents from across the UK gathered outside Westminster, stretching across both sides of the Thames, to meet with at least 225 MPs who came out of Parliament to meet their constituents.

We also spoke to Charles Kenyon, one of just two Blackburn constituents who had made the long journey down to London, about why the lobby was important to him. He had some great tips for confidently getting the message out to more people.

“I’d ask everybody to work towards sustainability. Work by challenging yourself – find good people who aren’t a threat to you and encourage them to work towards the biggest thing for our survival. Go to religious organisations – anyone that cares about the world at all, and tell them the truth. As you do so you’ll become more confident in talking to other people and doing what’s necessary for the world.”

The day also saw leaders from different faith communities, including former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, gather for a ‘Walk of Witness’ from Trafalgar Square down Whitehall.

It was wonderful to see so many people of all ages and backgrounds attending the lobby. Our Myplace team created some fantastic banners using upcycled pillow cases and dye from leaf bashing, and even came armed with a chant.

This year seems to be the year when the tide is finally beginning to change. In May the government declared a Climate and Environment Emergency, and announced a new wave of protection for Lancashire’s seas. Today, laws which commit the UK government to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 came into force. While these are historic moves, we now need to see them put into action. You can hold the government to their promises by writing to your MP about how crucial it is for the upcoming Environment Bill to be robust, ambitious and fit for purpose. It needs to not only protect wildlife, but put nature into recovery.

Write to your MP

‘The Time is Now’ lobby was organised by The Climate Coalition and Greener UK, two coalitions combining more than 130 organisations and representing more than 15 million people – ranging from aid agencies CAFOD, Christian Aid and Islamic Relief to community groups including the Women’s Institute, and environmental organisations such as The Wildlife Trusts and RSPB. It follows global environmental protests, and the declaration of a climate and environment emergency by the UK parliament.