NEW GROUND AUTUMN 2017 Campaigning for environmental change & social justice

The Green Challenges to Come

G R w O U e N n D CONFERENCE 2017

A U 7 T 0 1 U M N 2 My Vision for a Greener London

Chi Onwurah MP Jacinda Ardern Growing a New Zealand’s sustainable future Climate Opportunity Welcome to our 2017 Autumn Edition NEWS

Andrew pakes & Adam Dyster

What a difference a few months can issues where Labour can make a real It’s been a busy few months for make. Little did any of us expect that difference in this new political context. SERA within days of the last edition landing SERA - here are just a few highlights on people’s doorsteps, we’d be gearing The biggest of course will continue to up to fight a snap general election. be , and both Baroness Young and NEWS of what we’ve been up to. MP look at some of the Whilst the final result may not have been challenges of the Repeal Bill, and the the one we were fighting for - and the UK worrying threats the current Tory plans will have to continue to endure Theresa pose to our environmental protections. May’s premiership, now propped up by As part of ’s ‘Our policy first announced at the SERA the DUP - it was fantastic to see so many The new Fisheries and Agriculture bills Andy Burnham Manifesto’ process, SERA held a manifesto event. The Summit will of Labour’s environmental champions will also be key for the future of our elected and re-elected to Parliament. farming and fishing communities, as public event in Manchester which bring organisations together to set Sustain’s Viki Hird and Melanie Onn Manifesto & brought together environmental a new ambitious target for carbon Particular congratulations go to Exec MP look at respectively. Expect to see organisations from across Greater neutrality for Greater Manchester. Members Alan Whitehead MP & Daniel Parliamentary battles as well around Manchester to discuss the city- is the co-editor of Green Summit Zeichner MP, who were re-elected with the Government’s Clean Growth Plan, region’s green economy, as well huge increases in their, and to new and which Anna McMorrin explores - if the New Ground and a member of the as key challenges such as air returning SERA Members Tories ever publish the document. SERA Executive. quality and sustainable housing. MP, Luke Pollard MP, Anneliese Dodds He tweets at MP and MP. Alex has Whilst the Conservative Government @andrew4mk written for us about his experience as might try its best to avoid addressing The event fed into a number of a new MP and how he plans to use his the biggest green challenges, Labour Andy’s manifesto pledges, including position to champion climate action. authorities across the country are support for tree-planting and greater showing how to lead with ambition, ambition on climate change. With a hung Parliament, it’s clear that as Sadiq Khan shows with his piece Adam Dyster the political environment has shifted, on his green vision for the capital. is the co-editor Following Andy Burnham’s election, with huge opportunities for Labour of New Ground and is National SERA are delighted to be working to shape legislation and the political It’s clear that, as we enter the new on the Mayor’s Green Summit, a agenda for the better. This edition Parliamentary session proper, we are at Organiser for SERA. of New Ground looks at some of the a crucial moment for the environment He tweets at biggest environmental challenges over - but as the strength of these articles @AdamDyster the next few months and the key green show - Labour is ready for the challenge.

SERA’s clean air campaign, We’ve also continued working contents A Breath of launched last year, called on with Labour authorities on Labour to back a new national WELCOME 2017 / Andrew Pakes & Adam Dyster 2 About their local efforts to tackle Fresh Air – Clean Air Act. We therefore air pollution, and are looking NEWS / SERA News 3 welcomed Sue Hayman MP’s forward to continuing this Feature / My Vision for a Greener London - Sadiq Khan 5 New Ground is published by Campaign Win announcement in May that conversation with our clean Labour would include this air conference event ‘Labour Chi Onwurah MP SERA, Labour’s environment Feature / Growing a Sustainable Future - 7 campaign www.sera.org.uk pledge in its 2017 manifesto, Leading the Way on Air Quality’. Feature / EVs in Southampton - Cllr Christopher Hammond 9 Email: [email protected] promising action within 30 days See back page for details. of entering government. Feature / Securing a Greener UK - Baroness Young 10 If you would like to contribute to future editions or join Feature / Taking Back Control of our Fisheries? - Melanie Onn MP 12 our mailing list, please Feature / Will Labour Rise to the Farming Challenge? - Vicki Hird 14 contact Adam Dyster, National Organiser at - Mary Creagh MP Opinion / A Toxic Brexit? 16 [email protected] www.sera.org.uk/join Opinion / Bay Tidal Lagoon - Tonia Antoniazzi MP 18 The views expressed in New Join us and Ground are those of the Opinion / On the Frontline Against Fracking - Louisa Casson 20 authors and not necessarily help make @serauk those of the editor, SERA its View from New Zealand / Jacinda Ardern 22 executive or its members. VIEW FROM / Anna McMorrin MP 24 a difference serauk Printed and published Claudia Beamish MSP View from Scotland / 26 by UNP, The I.O. Centre, View from Westminster / Alex Sobel MP 28 Unit 7, Skeffington Street, London, SE18 6SR Local Government / Hackney’s energy revolution - Cllr Jon Burke 30 2. SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice 3. NEWS FEATURE

General SERA was heavily involved in energy efficiency to supporting Labour’s election manifesto process, the UK’s green economy, front My Vision for a Election 2017 calling for environmental justice to and centre in the final manifesto. be at the heart of the party’s offer. SERA has long campaigned for Labour to show real leadership on Greener London We provided briefings for the the environment - this manifesto Shadow Cabinet teams, asked took that spirit to heart. R O G U N our members to take part in w D e public consultations, took part in As well as policy development, SERA Sadiq Khan n

Socialist Societies meetings and ran several campaigning events, SERA submitted our own manifesto to including canvassing in the NPF, of which our Co-Chair for Daniel Zeichner and running a NEWS Melanie Smallman is a member. phonebank for Alan Whitehead. We 7 1 also produced an environmental A 0 U 2 T U M N It was great therefore to see SERA’s briefing, which we distributed to recommendations, from action on all Parliamentary candidates.

Today around 55 per cent of London is the greatest city in health emergency. More than 9,000 SERA Parliamentary Reception & the world’s population live in the world, but I want to see it people lose their lives prematurely cities and that number is only become one of the greenest, and every year as a direct result of relaunching the SERA Parliamentary Network set to grow in the years ahead. for us to regain our past global air pollution – and it is having a That means if we’re going to reputation for being at the forefront particularly negative impact on make strides in tackling the big of environmental action. As part children, stunting lung growth for life. environmental challenges of our of this, I recently published my The SERA Parliamentary Network The SERA Parliamentary Network time, major cities like London draft environmental strategy – Research also shows that some of was relaunched in July, with a will work with Labour members to have a crucial role to play. setting out the steps I intend to the worst pollution hotspots are reception jointly hosted with help share research, develop policy take to achieve this ambition. around schools and that London’s Shadow DEFRA and BEIS teams. ideas and coordinate campaigns on From introducing low-emission most deprived communities are With speeches from Sue Hayman environment, energy and transport vehicles to installing sustainable London’s environment and the among the hardest hit – meaning MP, Alan Whitehead MP and the related issues in Westminster. infrastructure and making public quality of our air has undoubtedly poverty and pollution are group’s new convenor Alex Sobel transport greener, big cities come a long way since our city was combining to limit the life chances MP, it was great to see so many We’re looking forward to working are already taking the lead and blighted by the Great Stink of the of countless young Londoners. Labour MPs and Peers passionate with all Labour MPs and Peers to harnessing the latest technological Victorian era or the 1952 Great about driving an ambitious green push for environmental and social solutions to protect our environment. Smog. Innovations in urban design In the 21st century – in a city agenda. Thanks to MP justice at every opportunity! and the introduction of tough EU like London – this situation is for his help hosting this event. In an age when national governments regulations have helped to drastically unacceptable. When people’s health is are refusing to meet the challenge reduce industrial pollution and have at stake, we can’t shy away from doing and the US has announced made our city a cleaner, greener, the right thing. As Mayor, I feel I have its withdrawal from the more pleasant place to live. a duty – a moral responsibility – to act. Climate Agreement, this action What’s Next? is vital not just for the future But while recent decades have seen So from 2017, we are planning a For updates on all of our work, survival of the planet but for our significant improvements, today new levy on the oldest and most We’ve got a busy conference programme lined make sure to follow us on health and wellbeing today. London is still confronted by a polluting vehicles entering central host of environmental challenges London. We are also proposing up (see the back page for listings) but our plans Twitter (@SERAUK) and Since being elected Mayor, one of that are as severe and pressing a new and expanded Ultra Low don’t stop there. From new campaigns to our Facebook (/SERAUK) as well my top priorities has been bringing as these previous crises. Emission Zone to tackle air pollution. forward a range of bold measures AGM in November, we’ve got some exciting as signing up to our email to combat climate change and The current poor state of London’s We are investing record sums in public plans for the next few months and beyond! newsletter at sera.org.uk/join address the scourge of air pollution. air is nothing short of a public transport and green infrastructure,

4. SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice 5. FEATURE FEATURE by making walking and cycling easier which will help people across environment, where the air is safe to Growing a for Londoners, and by phasing out London access renewable energy at breathe for all and where everyone dirty diesel buses - replacing them fairer and more affordable prices. can fulfil their potential, but we with brand new lower and zero owe it to the next generation too. sustainable future emission models. I’ve also been Of course, none of this is going vocal in calling for the Government to be easy. We face a massive This is a battle we can - and must - win. Chi Onwurah MP to ensure no weakening of our challenge and it will require a environmental regulations post-Brexit. concerted long-term effort and To have your say on Sadiq’s co-operation between a wide range plans, search “London We are committed to boosting of partners. But I am optimistic Environment Strategy” I like to say that I entered politics In engineering, steady-state means ‘no energy from the sun every hour London’s green economy and that by working together we in 2010 for exactly the same reason change’, and in economics it’s largely to power the planet for a year. working with local boroughs, can make a real difference. I became an engineer decades the same. I don’t believe steady-state London’s businesses, NGOs and earlier – to make the world work, economics is the right way forward So the question is not ‘how can we community organisations, as well as The truth is we all have a shared better, for everyone. It’s certainly for our country – or even a way use less energy’ in absolute terms. It anyone else who is serious about interest and a role to play in true that the world isn’t working ‘forward’ at all. But to understand why, is ‘how can we effectively transform preserving our natural inheritance, cleaning up our air and meeting right now – because of the huge we have to start with the science. that energy into wellbeing?’ protecting our green spaces and our aspiration of turning London levels of inequality – but also cutting harmful emissions. into a zero-carbon city by 2050. because we’re destroying it, through The Second Law of Thermodynamics Technological innovation pollution and climate change. I am determined to lead by example. In the 1950s, great politicians Physics has always been the The best way of using energy more And so we are embedding the and Londoners implemented For me being Labour is fundamentally science which economics aspired efficiently is through technological latest green thinking at the heart of bold proposals to save lives and tied up with being ‘green’ – we need to. And in 1971, the economist innovation. For example, the London’s new transport strategy, to bring an end to the great a world that works for everyone, Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen – who economist Carlota Perez has argued Sadiq Khan is the Labour setting ourselves a target of smogs. Now it’s our turn to act. not just for those with the money wanted to be a physicist – drew a that the development and adoption Mayor of London. making London a zero-waste city by to move to higher ground. connection between physical laws of ICT technologies changes the He tweets at @SadiqKhan 2030 and also starting to work on Not only do we owe it to today’s and economic activity. He wrote rules of the economy. They make a establishing Energy for Londoners, Londoners to create a clean healthy a book called ‘The Entropy Law ‘global green positive-sum game’ and the Economic Process’. possible, allowing us to evolve towards a more sustainable future. Since then, many green or ecological economists have taken his lead in But it is competition for economic applying thermodynamic principles to growth that drives innovation. economics. This has been particularly Without some competition we London is the I am therefore proudly ‘Green Labour’ influential in the field of sustainability will not have innovation. Steady and a supporter of SERA. As part of and is one of the driving ideas behind state economics rejects the this I recognise many shared values zero-growth approaches to economics. potential of innovation. The greatest city in the and objectives with the Green Party, concept of steady state disavows from fighting austerity to preventing The argument goes that if the the notion of evolution and in climate change. Labour’s record Second Law of Thermodynamics doing so makes us all poorer. world, but I want to on environmental sustainability is tells us that energy will become a strong one: from 1997 to 2010, less and less available over time – Beyond the economic imperative for CO2 emissions fell year-on-year, and is therefore a finite resource innovation there is also a fundamental see it become one accompanied by strong economic – then there is a hard limit to the psychological need for change. growth up until the onset of the 2007 growth potential of any economy. of the greenest global financial crisis. Humans everywhere desire self- There is a problem with this analogy, actualisation. This drives so much But what distinguishes us from however. Entropy measures the of our lives, from career choices to the Green Party is their belief that dispersal or disorder of energy in directing holiday hobbies. It may economic growth and environmental a closed or isolated system. The be the top of Maslow’s Hierarchy of sustainability cannot go hand in Earth is not a closed system: it is an Needs – prioritised after everything hand, that sustainability means open system in a universe which is else – but it is still fundamental. abandoning the quest for greater both infinite and expanding – that And it is completely contrary economic prosperity and achieving in itself is enough to blow most to the idea of steady state. a ‘steady-state’ of zero growth. minds. The Earth receives enough

6. SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice 7. FEATURE the world – particularly Japan, which is oriented around key ‘missions’, FEATURE is further along the demographic the first of which is to draw 60% of ‘curve’ and where one third of our energy from low-carbon sources citizens are above the age of 60. by 2030. To achieve this mission, Just look at the people all over we’ll work with the private sector to the world yearning for change, for People across the world want a develop new sustainable technologies SouthamptoN - Our local political revolution, for sustainable future of making and building things. such as Carbon Capture and Storage, economic growth. If there was a This is certainly true in Newcastle, affordable electric vehicles, and mass movement for a steady state the city I grew up in and now low-carbon chemical processing. drive to be at the forefront economy, what would its slogan be? represent, where we take pride in Investment in these sectors will help “What do we want? No change! our industrial heritage. Growing us to meet our environmental targets, of the global EV revolution When do we want it? Yesterday!” up in the shadow of Stephenson, but it will also create new jobs in high- Parsons, Armstrong and other greats skill, high-productivity industries. Implementing steady - state economics of our industrial past was part of Cllr Christopher Hammond what inspired me to study electrical My vision of our country’s future is one Even if we decided a steady state engineering as a young woman. in which smart, sustainable growth is economy was desirable, I don’t harnessed to improve the lives and think we could get there without To continue our industrial tradition wellbeing of everyone. Economic so far, the market (with government • Announced that 20% of our famine and mass social collapse. however as we work towards a growth is not and should not be an Southampton is one of the five greener future we need to develop end in itself. What matters is how areas in identified as subsidies) is beginning to respond. 400-strong fleet will be EVs by 2020 The current system is a mixed capitalist sustainable manufacturing methods. that growth is generated, and how having an air pollution problem • Changed procurement rules so that system, whether we like it or not – and That’s why I chaired the Manufacturing the rewards are shared. We should that exceeds EU air quality limits. Every major manufacturer now offers all new vehicles are EV by default. either an EV or a hybrid. Battery costs I certainly know many people who Commission’s report on ‘Industrial welcome the work of groups such as • Planned to start installing 50 public The Labour-run City Council are in free fall, from a unit cost of don’t like it. The production of the Evolution’, looking at ways to the Natural Capital Committee – set Charge Points across the city make our manufacturing sector up to advise on the sustainable use quickly adopted a Clean Air $1000 per kilowatt hour in 2010 to goods that we need to survive and • Replaced three of our diesel road more sustainable and resilient. of natural resources – and work to Strategy that identifies the key $200 in 2017, and a new awareness thrive is motivated by the drive for sweepers with electric models. profit or growth. Introducing a steady ensure that all growth is sustainable. ways in which we will make shows consumers are deserting diesel state economy would risk the total It is time for us to recognise the improvements and get back within engines for cleaner alternatives. • Introduced a taxi scrappage collapse of the chains of production economic, environmental and John Maynard Keynes, the most legal limits across the city. scheme to get the more that our society depends on. social problems that current famous economist of the 20th century, Yet without consistent national polluting diesels off the road and methods of production engender, once said he looked forward to a One of our key measures is to leadership, we won’t realise the replaced with EVs or hybrids. There is also the small question of the and fundamentally change the day in which we could ‘once more encourage the take-up of Electric full-scale transformation required rest of the world. Many countries – way we make things. It is time value ends above means and prefer Cars (EVs) both for private and in the timeframe set out by the If we demonstrate political leadership and many parts of Britain – have not for an industrial evolution. the good to the useful’. We are still commercial use. This was an Government. So, although the at the local government level, we experienced the fruits of growth as waiting for that day to come, but I aspiration to which we were Government offers a grant towards can help unlock the EV revolution. fully as they should have. I am deeply The conditions exist for such an believe it is possible – and that smart, committed despite the challenges the sale of new EVs, it charges the Government needs to provide the sceptical of the idea that we should evolution: the global market for sustainable and inclusive economic of starting with a blank page. In same regular car tax for a diesel and national leadership, or at the very withhold from others the material sustainable business operations is growth is necessary to get there. Southampton, we had no electric a hybrid. Gove brought forward least, not hamper those who are at and technological abundance that expected to reach between US $1.5 charging points, one EV van which its headline date for the ban of no the forefront of leading change. we have benefitted so much from. trillion and $4.5 trillion by 2020. wasn’t widely used and there new diesel or petrol engines, but Conservative estimates of the benefits were no incentives for private ducked mandating councils to do I believe people across the world the UK could gain through energy- and motorists. If an EV revolution more to tackle air pollution. Issues – whether in Newcastle England or resource-efficiency amount to £10 was coming, it didn’t appear such as the 43% of car owners Newcastle South Africa – should have billion per annum in additional profit to come from the Council! who do not have access to a drive the right to make a living, to trade, for the sector, 300,000 new jobs and have been avoided or ignored. and to improve their lives and their a 4.5% reduction in our total annual When I was elected in 2013 and communities. And it is also through greenhouse gas emissions. This is an started to challenge this fact, a The hesitation about promoting trade and exchange that we can better opportunity we need to seize – and we senior officer kindly informed me electric cars is unwarranted and the know, understand and not fear other can only do so with a renewed focus that he felt that the Council did inconsistencies from the Government parts of the world. But steady state on sustainable economic growth. not have the resources to chase are unhelpful. Labour needs to economics does not recognise that. ‘Cinderella’ projects such as this. strengthen its voice on the issue Labour’s industrial strategy and councils like Southampton Finally, we should note that – despite Chi Onwurah MP is Shadow EVs could arguably be said to still are a good place to start. CLLR Christopher apocalyptic talk of the ‘population The next Labour Government will Minister for Industrial Strategy, be in their infancy with only 750,000 Hammond is Cabinet time bomb’ – the long term problem go further than the last in putting Science and Innovation and EVs sold worldwide (less than 1% After 4 years of Labour leadership in Member for Transformation for advanced economies is not too sustainability at the heart of its Labour MP for Newcastle of the car market), but economists Southampton, we have demonstrated Projects and Sustainability for many children but too few. Look at economic policy. Our industrial upon Tyne Central. predict that the majority of sales will the commitment and dedication to Southampton City Council. the demographic problems facing strategy, inspired by the work of She tweets at @ChiOnwurah be EVs by 2030. We’ve all got high be a national leader in this field by He tweets at @christophammond our ageing society and others across leading economist Mariana Mazzucato, hopes for the electric future and adopting the following measures;

8. SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice 9. dragging its feet. The European to environmental law will be made FEATURE Commission and the Court of through secondary legislation (aka FEATURE Justice of the European Union have statutory instruments) and there powers which mean that citizens lies a big risk. The government have access to environmental justice continues to restate its commitment forward it will look! We can’t continue and the EU has teeth in making to bringing across EU environmental to fiddle while over half of the UK’s Securing a Greener UK member states up their game if law undiluted but the sheer volume native species are in decline and air they lagged in implementation. will mean that we have to be pollution in our cities continues to vigilant in scrutinising every shred of cause 40,000 early deaths a year. through Brexit One simple example – the UK had secondary legislation to make sure dragged its feet for years on cleanup that commitment is not diluted by Greener UK is also seeking that and beyond of the Thames, which meant that it mistake or by connivance. A statutory the UK secure its global climate reached the status of the dirtiest river instrument can’t be amended and change leadership with domestic to run through an EU capital city, so, if it is not satisfactory, the only action on investment in clean energy Baroness BARBARA Young with neat sewerage discharged into remedy for parliament is to vote infrastructure, efficient vehicles, it on a regular basis. Only infraction the whole proposal out. If that buildings and appliances, and proceedings by the EU Commission happens too often, it could be continued collaboration on energy and and the threat of eye-watering fines unhelpfully branded as a strategy climate change with the EU. Innovative moved the government to long to delay Brexit, as opposed to a new domestic laws on world-leading The next two years could in the EU, is not to be diluted. The The Woodland Trust, which I chair, overdue investment in the Thames measure to ensure we don’t ruin the sustainable fisheries management are be the most crucial for the public didn’t vote in the referendum with a combined membership of 7.9 Tideway, London’s super-sewer. environment as we leave. Another also needed, with fishing levels that environment for a long time. for poorer environmental quality. million people. It was formed in 2016 pitfall of secondary law is that it allow fish stocks to recover and the The sheer volume of issues which with the understanding that Brexit Without EU enforcement, domestic can be subsequently amended by documentation of all fish caught. The referendum might have need to be dealt with before we can represents such a pivotal moment for measures will need to be included secondary legislation which involves shown very mixed feelings about leave the EU could however risk the the UK environment. The coalition in the UK legislation to ensure less effective parliamentary scrutiny. I wake up every morning the UK’s membership of the EU, environment being side-lined as less sees how vital it is for good-thinking that monitoring, reporting and contemplating the next two years but there is little denying, that important than trade or the rights of people across the political parties enforcement measures are as To mitigate this risk, the Repeal Bill with an equally mixed frisson of fear on the environmental front the EU and UK nationals, or the border to come together to safeguard and effective as those wielded by must ensure that any changes to and exhilaration. The people of the EU has played a hugely positive in Ireland or freedom of movement improve the environment at this time the EU. The recent government EU law which significantly alter its UK deserve clean air, clean water, a role, both raising environmental or research collaboration. I could of big opportunity and big threat. proposals on cross-border judicial scope or purpose must be subject stable climate, healthy seas, beautiful standards and, as importantly, go on. The point is that, without co-operation provides some options to primary legislation. You can landscapes and thriving wildlife in monitoring and enforcing them. the focus and energy needed, our So what is the political task? The but no clarity on which are most yawn now, but again we will need places they love. Party arithmetic environment settlement could suffer, Repeal Bill (no longer Great!) is aimed likely or how the EU will react. SERA members’ support in this. means that Labour has an opportunity The proof of the pudding is for all to either by accident or design. at bringing EU environmental and to really take a leadership role to see and experience: cleaner beaches, other legislation across from EU to Labour is committed to not flying in The challenge and opportunity doesn’t land the new settlement for the cleaner and healthier seas, higher One thing is sure – there has to be UK law. We know already that this the face of the referendum majority stop with the formal transfer of EU environment for the people of the UK. standards of water protection, cleaner a replacement for the Common can’t be a perfect drag and drop vote. That means that it will have legislation into UK law. Greener UK air (although urban air pollution Agricultural Policy (CAP) by the time exercise as some legislation will need to choose the issues it fights on believes that the time has come to caused by transport emissions still we leave the EU. Not many people minor tweaking to be “operable” in the passage of the Repeal Bill. set a more ambitious green agenda remains to be tackled effectively), will shed a tear for CAP and the and some, like agriculture policy, The political dynamic will be very beyond, with bold political acts at and improved protection for special damage it has done to our wider will need a completely new piece of different in the Lords, where there is home and renewed co-operation wildlife areas (although we continue countryside. We now have a once- primary legislation. So far, my string no Conservative majority and where with our European colleagues. We to see species decline that depend in-several-lifetimes opportunity to of parliamentary questions on which much of the detailed consideration will are after all leaving the EU but not on the farmed countryside). We are create a new agricultural and land use legislation falls into which category take place, rather than the Commons. leaving the European biosphere! The no longer the ‘dirty man of Europe’ policy which will move from paying have yielded little clarification. Who says we don’t need the House of first big opportunity is a clean sheet and that has been of huge benefit to landowners three billion pounds of Additionally, some key overarching Lords! Deals will need to be made with approach to agricultural and land- people and communities across the taxpayers’ money primarily according principles which have informed EU the Liberal Democrats, cross benchers use policy post-Common Agricultural UK. We don’t want to go back there. to the size of their landholding, law apparently won’t come across and even some environmentally Policy. We also need to lead the world The government has committed to and instead use that funding to under the current proposals. These concerned Tories. Will environmental by setting measurable milestones for leaving the environment in a better support them to deliver a range of vital principles, such as ‘polluter pays’ issues be seen by the Party as second environmental restoration and high state than it inherited it. The time public benefits– including climate and the ‘precautionary principle’, must order? Greener UK will need the standards for pollution and resource has come to test that commitment. change mitigation, biodiversity be incorporated into UK law through support of SERA members to ensure efficiency, as part of a strong 25 year improvement, water and soil amendments to the Repeal Bill. its proposed amendments to the plan, reinforced in law in an ambitious Baroness Young is a Labour Much will depend on the post Brexit protection, healthy affordable food Repeal Bill are supported by the new Environment Act. Currently the Member of the House of Lords. environmental legal settlement. and sustainable rural communities. We also run the risk of losing aspects Party and lobbied for effectively. 25 year plan has been sent back to She is also Chair of the Woodland Labour must play a key role if the of EU legislation that have helped the drawing board so often that the Trust, one of the members of big progress in environmental Greener UK is a coalition of the UK’s drive environmental improvement Now for a boring but important suspicion is that ‘25 years’ is how long the Greener UK coalition standards, which we helped shape major environmental NGOs, including when the government has been bit! Much of the detailed changes it will take to emerge, not how long

10. SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice 11. Trawlers will pick the closest available Increasing yield, depending on FEATURE port to save on fuel costs and time. availability, should of course result FEATURE Depending on where a catch is landed, in greater profits, thereby making fish destined for can typically the sustainability of employment Once the arguments with the EU are cross three or four country’s borders. greater and outgoings much no longer a factor, it is unlikely to Currently, as there are no checks less of a pressure point. be smooth sailing. Gripes within the The Fisheries Bill at borders, merchants can expect industry will possibly turn to inter- delivery from landing within four days. However, these freedoms in the nation, with English ports and vessels water don’t guarantee a larger catch, complaining about Scottish ports Taking Back Control Theresa May has made a commitment especially given that fish tend not and vessels who in turn complain to the people of Ireland that there to be constrained by our imposed about Northern Irish or Welsh ports will be no border checks between borders. They do not protect against and vessels. It is a competitive the Republic and Northern Ireland. an increase in UK registered vessels industry and it is that competitiveness of Our Waters? That same commitment has not been which could crowd the UK sector, nor that has led to so many placing so mentioned for any other trade routes do they prevent overfishing. They much hope in leaving the EU. Melanie Onn MP or any indication that exceptions for don’t provide additional investment in particular products will be considered. patrol vessels or staff and they don’t It would be seen as a great betrayal Anything which makes trading harder, ensure any support for the building if the promises made by so many slower or more expensive would not of new trawlers, which can cost in in the Leave campaign - that only compromise the quality of a excess of one million pounds, before access to water, quotas, landing Remarkable things are hoped for in previous years, is strong. There are approximately 5000 jobs delicate and limited shelf-life product, the issue of quota is even considered. obligations, providence, sustainability, in the Government’s Fisheries Fishing represents a time when in Grimsby linked to the fishing but add extra burdens on the industry There will still need to be management environment, safety, price and Bill. The Chief Executive of the areas felt more affluent, jobs were industry. As it stands, there is a reintroducing documentation for each and control of vessels and catch availability would all be negotiated Shetland Fishermen’s Association, plentiful, and there was a sense of fisheries hub; whether it’s landing border. For an industry with very tight and discussions with our nearest in the UK’s favour – do not come to Simon Collins said the Fisheries Bill, community around the industry. it, selling it, smoking it or turning it margins due to consumer demand for neighbours about possible reciprocal fruition and an industry that is worth despite not yet being published, into fishcakes, it all happens within cheaper food, these costs could prove relationships to prevent overfishing. a relatively small percentage of the was “a huge step forward and could Fishing represents a a two mile radius of the market. damaging and must be considered These are all questions that must country’s GDP is, again, used as a hardly have been improved on from throughout the negotiations. be answered in the Fisheries Bill. bargaining chip in the negotiations. the industry’s point of view.” time when areas felt I suspect few people in the more affluent, jobs were town, if asked, would recognise Within the fishing fraternity the There must be consideration of An even greater betrayal would be He is not alone. There have plentiful, and there was the importance of retaining optimism for Brexit remains high. The the negotiations with other nations if the government failed to protect been similar comments from the the market to maintaining a promises of ‘taking back control’, in about quota and how any new the industry as it currently stands National Federation of Fishermen’s a sense of community seafood presence at all. particular, taking back control of our system would work alongside the and traditional port towns, like Great Organisations (NFFO), Fishing for around the industry. waters, are an enticing proposition EU’s quota system. There must be Grimsby, are unable to operate as Leave, and all those who expect fishing The majority of fish traded through for many who have struggled with the mention of the impact on the quota they currently do, let alone expand to be free to operate as it ‘used to’, a auction at the market comes EU’s slow turning wheels and sense rental system, which has now become into a port of a hundred trawlers. symbol of taking back control and the from Iceland or Norway. It comes that other member states were not well-established, and the fact that prosperity anticipated subsequently. Despite funding from the European from deep sea trawlers catching always playing by the same rules. quota is now a bankable asset. Maritime and Fisheries Fund, there ‘demersal’ species, the UK’s While a strong lobby for the industry has been little to arrest the decline preferred fish such as cod, haddock This reclamation would include For those wanting the 200 mile limit, is welcome, there are a number of many of these port towns with and plaice, which live much closer to exclusivity of the 12 mile limit or, they seem to have put the ‘Cod of things that are concerning the effect of investment not always the sea bed. This is in contrast to the more ambitiously, the 200 mile limit. Wars’ to the back of their minds. about this rush of enthusiasm for seen or felt by the wider public. ‘pelagic’ variety that (usually) inshore For fishermen who are trying to turn Given that one of our most reliable a Bill that is yet to be drafted. fishermen catch: herrings, sardines a profit, whose principal interests are sources of imported fish comes Take Great Grimsby’s Fish Market. etc. Grimsby’s days of having fuel costs, labour costs, and price from Iceland, it would be unhelpful The fishing industry, most prominently This is a market that sees hundreds hundreds of trawlers in its ports are per kilo of the fish they’re landing, that current arrangements are from the catching sector’s perspective, of thousands of pounds of traded long gone and the space for landings ‘control of our waters’ means: disturbed as it would have a direct has high expectations from the Brexit fish per year pass through its halls. is now limited. On my last visit to impact on the viability of Grimsby’s negotiations. It is no surprise - they From the traders operating for the Port of Grimsby East (where the • UK registered inshore vessels fish market and the availability of were promised a great deal. There is commercial buyers, to the staff who Fish Market is situated) three scallop fishing for pelagic species having the nation’s preferred white fish. an ebullience about the possibilities run the market and those selling trawlers were landing which meant exclusive access to the waters within that await them. This exuberance direct around the country from their another two vessels had to wait until the 12 mile limit (or 200 mile) The Bill must consider the industry comes not only from the fishermen fish vans, it is an essential hub that they’d finished before they could as a whole – that means everything • Opportunity for increasing quota but many of the communities they maintains a presence of active fishing take their turn. The old pontoon is from the environment to catching, Melanie Onn MP is the operate from, or used to operate from. in the town. Without this market, now moorings for personal yachts • Moving from quota to a ‘days at sea’ landing at ports, auction, retail, Labour MP for Great Grimsby the many processing firms – Flatfish, and dinghies with the area showing model right through to what ends up on and Shadow Housing Minister. Nostalgia, for many coastal towns Seachill, Youngs etc – would have its age and falling into disrepair. • Opportunity for increasing the consumer’s plate (or wrapped She tweets at @OnnMel that had a large fishing fleet presence less reason to remain in the town. the total allowable catch in yesterday’s newspaper).

12. SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice 13. Commitments to reinstate the Thirdly, there is a chance that the new FEATURE Agriculture Wages Board in England Agriculture Bill will be a place-holder FEATURE to protect workers, and to expand without the detail of a whole new farm the role of the Groceries Code support scheme. The Government has can protect nature and animals and Adjudicator to protect farmers, were promised to keep the current system could help end the misery of low also spot on. Many of these demands (c.£3.3bn) until 2022 but the Bill might wages for farm and food workers. match those of Sustain - an alliance set a transition period after leaving Will Labour rise to of 94 organisations with a combined the EU to establish a new farm policy With or without Brexit, we needed public membership of millions. after 2022. If the plan is to define the a better food and farm system. But Our briefing ‘Beyond 2020: New new policy and subsidy regime in the Brexit makes it all the more vital the farming challenge? farm policy’ outlines an integrated Bill, then consultation will need to that regulation ensures the value new farm policy framework. be completed at a breakneck pace. in the food system goes where it Vicki Hird is needed. Equally, we must resist Labour will need to marshall Given that the devolved utterly any deals that flood us all its resources and generate administrations have made it clear with cheap, unethically produced huge public demand for these they want all this to be devolved food from across the globe. commitments as the government responsibility – which makes rapidly launches new legislation. sense as they know better than Many ideas and proposals are Suddenly everyone in the media That’s what we should aim for: the these problems have been reformed Westminster what they need their appearing, suggesting new farm is an expert on chlorine-washed Brexit prize. But getting there from since the 90s. But there is much Three big Bill bombs about to land farm system to look like – there is a policy for the future. Labour must chicken and how big landowners here will be difficult, especially with more that must be done. huge, complicated process ahead. assess these and listen to farmers harvest huge European farm a farming community of many small Three crucial legislative bombs and the public – both rural and subsidies. Brexit has a lot to businesses, partially represented We could and should also use farm are about to land. The first, the Sustain proposes a new Land urban – on what they think is answer for and getting food and in government by big players, policy to support public health. European Union (withdrawal) Bill, Management Scheme of payments important. Polling suggests that the farming issues onto the public and remote from consumers. Obesity, diabetes and other indicators could contain major problems for based on farmers delivering public electorate do still believe farmers consciousness is one of them. of poor food diets have significant protecting the environment and goods such as protecting nature, should be publicly supported. And The economic, environment economic as well as personal costs. human health. Many allies are joining preventing flooding, and boosting we should ignore those who say That’s a good thing. We have major and health challenge Ideally a new farm support system the call for important EU principles organic, agroforestry and pasture- consumers just buy on price - it’s far, upheavals ahead for farming: new would increase production of the and standards to be retained; that based systems. Additional capital far more complicated than that. trade rules; the design of a whole Farm incomes are consistently low good stuff like fresh and sustainably any future changes are made only grants, free advice and wider policy new farm support regime; and huge in all four regions whilst the food produced fruit and vegetables and with proper democratic oversight; measures should ensure farmers Food and farming is rarely an election shifts in food and farming rules (as industry makes large profits. We have wholegrain food, and would remove and that food, farming and fishing can thrive. Backing new enterprise issue unless a crisis or food scare well as for fisheries) as we leave the lots thousands of farm businesses incentives for production of junk. stability is secured through the rocky will be key, including entrants into looms. But we all have to eat and European regulatory systems on and a recent Campaign for the European and national standards Brexit process. Several significant UK farming, smaller farms, organic we all need our countryside, water, issues such as pesticide use, food Protection of Rural England (CPRE) that have kept us relatively safe food industry bodies agree – including farming, agro-forestry and struggling soil and wildlife to be well looked labelling and meat inspections. Public report highlighted the huge risks to – from meat inspections to baby those representing thousands of sectors like fruit and vegetables, after. Labour must prioritise this in and media attention will be high. farm diversity, which has a significant food to pesticide licencing – need SMEs – saying that they would like whilst overhauling farmer training. the weeks and months ahead, and impact on rural communities and to be strengthened across the the regulatory framework to stay as will have many allies in doing so. The challenges are not small but, on our country landscape. board and not lost in the Brexit it is, at least in the medium term. What ‘public goods’ would Labour as some of us reluctantly have had process or via trade deals. prioritise in such a scheme? And to admit, there is a real opportunity Wildlife and the environment are in Second is the thorny issue of trade what safeguards will Labour support here. As Kerry McCarthy MP wrote trouble. Pockets of great practice Challenges for Labour deals and the democratic deficit they to avoid major farm amalgamations? in this magazine last year, we exist (organic, pasture fed schemes, pose. Labour should be calling for Enterprising new entrants into need a “long-term vision for our conservation based farming), but This is a key moment for Labour comprehensive Parliamentary and farming encounter overpriced food and farming industry, and a many species are in decline, including to engage its members in debate civil society oversight built into the land, a lack of financial and other comprehensive strategy to improve vital pollinators. Pollution levels are and address the issues. new Trade Bill and in any new deals support, and an inadequately our food sovereignty, protect up, our ‘natural capital’ is being the UK might make. The risk – as regulated food supply chain. Will our environment and promote depleted and farming is a major The short (and almost last) illustrated by the TTIP and CETA Labour improve their chances? healthy, affordable diets”. source of avoidable greenhouse gas chapter in Labour’s Manifesto on negotiations – is that behind closed emissions. UK farm animal welfare is farming was welcome, as were the doors Liam Fox will surrender UK food It is clear that the economics of Brexit means we could decide heavily compromised by low prices wider commitments to protect and safety regulations to win finance farming must shift. The market will to support all food producers to and an increase in mega farms. environmental, worker and consumer or manufacturing deals. In Opposition, matter more than ever and value produce sustainably as well as ensure rights. It was encouraging to see Labour needs a strong public voice made at the consumer end needs VICKI HIRD is Farm Campaign fair treatment of food workers Of course, some of the more a strong pledge to ensure farm on transparency and high standards to flow far more to farmers and Coordinator at Sustain, the whilst ensuring healthy, sustainably harmful elements of the European support for smaller traders, local for the Trade Bill, to ensure trade workers at the production end. alliance for better food and and humanely produced food is agriculture policy that either economies, community benefits deals are based on public need, not Better regulation of the supply farming. She tweets at @vickihird available and affordable to all. contributed to or failed to correct and sustainable practices. corporate or investment interest. chain should ensure that farmers

14. SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice 15. OPINION OPINION The clock is ticking, A Toxic Brexit? and businesses fear The Government must provide an approaching clarity on the future of cliff edge chemicals regulation

MARY CREAGH MP

Whatever the outcome of the working with partners and allies The uncertainty over the future of with her Cabinet and backbenchers role in monitoring compliance, and continue our membership of the Brexit negotiations, people in Europe under the ‘REACH’ this regime is harming businesses in open warfare over the EU. verdicts from the European Court of Single Market after we leave the deserve to be able to enjoy our chemicals regulation. REACH now. TechUK, the industry body Justice have been key to ClientEarth’s European Union and pass a new treasured natural spaces, and registers, evaluates and assesses representing many high-tech firms, A transitional deal that ensures successful legal cases against Environmental Protection Act. The iconic British species, and to know 30,000 substances from paints and which use chemicals regulated by the UK continues to participate the Government’s lacklustre air Prime Minister needs to start doing that these are protected in trust pesticides to the non-stick coating REACH, told my Committee in in REACH is vital to the economy, pollution plans. This way of holding the best thing for Britain, rather for future generations. Yet David on a frying pan. It aims to ensure that Parliament that the uncertainty and to ensuring that public health the Government to account cannot than the best thing for her party. Davis’ ‘constructive ambiguity’ people and the environment across created by Brexit is ‘causing waves’ and the environment is protected be replicated by the Repeal Bill. at the negotiating table and the Europe are protected from hazardous in the industry, and warned of the from hazardous substances. Repeal Bill’s failure to tackle the substances, and that chemicals risks of ‘market freeze’ and ‘supply Industry needs time to adapt to The Bill would also leave legal nightmare of untangling 40 businesses are able to trade with chain disruption’. The Chemical the changes brought by Brexit. But environmental protections vulnerable years’ of European law from UK each other on a level playing field. Business Association said that the clock is ticking, and businesses to being quietly dropped at the law is creating a toxic uncertainty one in five of their members are fear an approaching cliff edge. stroke of a Minister’s pen, with over the future of the UK’s investigating moves out of the no prior consultation and without environment and key industries. REACH was adopted UK to ensure business continuity Brexit puts a whole swathe of UK full Parliamentary scrutiny. Key after the UK leaves the EU. environmental protections at risk. protections for our wildlife risk The lack of clarity about what Brexit by the EU in 2007 and It is estimated that 80% of UK becoming ‘zombie legislation’, no means is already harming key UK covers the Registration, The Tories have no answers over the environmental regulations are shaped longer updated or enforced. I have industries, and the Chancellor has future of chemicals regulation. When by , and a quarter of all been calling on the Government warned Theresa May that unless there Evaluation, Authorisation I asked DEFRA Minister Thérèse the law that the Repeal Bill aims to to pass a new Environmental is more progress in the negotiations & restriction of CHemicals Coffey MP in Parliament whether the cut and paste is DEFRA-related. Protection Act in order to guarantee then key businesses will start UK would continue to participate that our world-class environmental implementing their plans for a hard in REACH after Brexit, she simply protections are not watered down Brexit and relocate out of the UK. repeated the mantra about leaving Brexit puts a whole swathe after the UK leaves the EU. The Government’s Repeal Bill aims to the single market and ending ECJ of UK environmental The chemicals industry is one of cut and paste EU law into UK law, but jurisdiction. The Government’s Brexit is the biggest administrative the key sectors affected by Brexit. it is entirely inadequate in dealing position papers published over the protections at risk and constitutional task since World It is the UK’s second largest export with the problems Brexit has created summer have done nothing to deal War Two. ‘Constructive ambiguity’ to the EU after cars, selling almost for the chemicals industry. A key with the uncertainty in the industry, is of no help to anyone trying Mary Creagh MP is Chair £15bn of goods into the European part of the REACH system involves because the Prime Minister is There’s also the question of to run a business and plan for of the Environmental Audit single market every year. data-sharing with the European prioritising her own job instead of enforcement and monitoring. EU air Brexit, and offers no reassurance Committee and Labour MP Chemicals Agency, a feature which the jobs of those who work in the pollution standards are for example that environmental protections for . For the past 10 years, UK businesses cannot be replicated by having our chemicals industry. Her main priority already transposed into UK law, but will not be watered down after She tweets at @MaryCreaghMP and the Government have been own agency and our own regime. is surviving her party conference the European Commission has a we leave. The Government must

16. SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice 17. OPINION OPINION To sign Tonia’s petition calling on the Government to sign off the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, The fight to save visit the Swansea Bay toniaantoniazzi.co.uk/tidallagoon Tidal Lagoon

Tonia Antoniazzi MP

With the Government pursuing energy and, despite significant budget Both the River Tawe and River Neath area still struggling to recover from been lost and it will be very hard to It may come down to a choice an ill-advised and short-sighted cuts passed down from Westminster, enter the sea here. The proposal the loss of mining and manufacturing piece together again in future”. between gambling on an inefficient attack on renewables, the United has supported projects like the Gower would build 16 hydro turbines and industries, the Swansea Bay Tidal method and risking our country’s Kingdom is set to miss its target solar farm through its Energy Wales a six-mile breakwater wall around Lagoon offers yet another solution. Labour’s Welsh Government and natural heritage with fracking, or of producing 15% of its energy plan. Energy Wales is a framework this area. Within just three hours of First Minister Carwyn Jones are signing off on the Swansea Bay needs from renewable sources and delivery plan for how Wales the turbine gates being shut, there But despite £35m already having been delivering through the Energy Wales Tidal Lagoon. The Government by 2020. To put this into context, will transition to becoming a low would be a 14ft difference in water invested, despite the Government- programme. Labour’s Swansea will have to choose the path the European Union is set to carbon country. Only a few years level inside the lagoon, with electricity commissioned Hendry Report Council and leader Rob Stewart forward in the coming months. meet its target of producing 20% after its inception, solar farms such being generated by incoming and calling for it to be signed off on ‘as are delivering through the City of its energy needs in the same as the one in my constituency are outgoing water, four times a day, soon as possible’, despite the 2015 Deal they have won for Swansea. The Swansea Bay Tidal period. The UK is missing even springing up as a result of the Welsh every day. It would generate enough Conservative manifesto promising But when the Conservatives in its own unambitious targets. Government’s foresight on this issue. energy to power 155,000 homes the Lagoon, the Government still Westminster have a chance to Lagoon is therefore for the next 120 years. Where the hasn’t signed the project off. The deliver – for renewable energy, for This hasn’t happened in a policy In this harsh climate for renewables, Government’s short-sightedness proposal – which could offer so investment, and for my constituency the litmus test for a vacuum. It’s a direct result of the new solutions and radical ideas are has created a huge hole in our much for West Wales, is effectively of Gower – they dither and delay. renewable energy Conservatives scrapping subsidies needed. As we scale back on the use capacity to power our country in sat on Theresa May’s desk gathering for onshore wind farms, solar energy, of fossil fuels, the UK Government future years, the Swansea Bay Tidal dust, waiting for sign-off. Ultimately, it’s not just my revolution across the UK biomass fuel conversion, killing seems to think we can solely rely on Lagoon offers a way forward. constituency that would feel the the flagship green homes scheme, fracking to meet our energy needs. Investors’ money won’t last forever. benefits of this project. Swansea selling off the Green Investment They have already approved fracking The benefits aren’t just environmental. David Stevens, the founder of Admiral Bay Tidal Lagoon is a pathfinder Bank, scrapping the green tax under my constituency of Gower, West Wales was found by the Insurance recently said that, “if there’s project. It offers a completely scalable target, and many more decisions the first Area of Outstanding Natural Inequality Briefing to be the poorest no evidence that the Government blueprint for the whole programme, taken as part of their sustained Beauty in the . If region in Northern Europe. Large is committed then at some point opening the opportunity for a fleet attack on renewable energy. we follow the path we are currently infrastructure projects are few and the patience of investors will be of tidal lagoons across the country on, coal and oil will be replaced by far between. The Swansea Bay Tidal exhausted”. He’s been proven right. of varying sizes. Economies of scale The Gower Regeneration project, tearing up huge parts of our national Lagoon offers a rare glimpse of Swansea Tidal Lagoon investors apply, so the proposed follow-up a community-owned solar farm, parks. Basing our energy policy on UK Government-provided hope in have now reportedly decided to larger lagoons could provide an even has been supported by the Welsh fracking is also a risk – research has an area that is too often forgotten delay further investments in the cheaper energy price. The Swansea Government. It is not something that recently uncovered that fracking about by those who currently run proposed £1.3 billion project, fearing Bay Tidal Lagoon is therefore the would have been supported by the produces much less fuel and profits Westminster. The project has a it could be further stalled due to litmus test for a renewable energy Conservatives. This serves as a telling than originally anticipated. We projected £1.3bn capital spend, the Government’s indecisiveness to revolution across the UK. I would case study into the contrast between need a different way forward. the majority of which will be spent give it a final go-ahead. With money therefore invite all supporters of a Labour Government’s support for in Wales and across the UK. The running out, it is reported that staff renewable energy and economic Tonia Antoniazzi MP is new, renewable forms of energy and You have probably heard of the construction period is expected to have been asked to cut back to development to write to their local the Labour MP for Gower. the Conservative’s slashing of support Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon. The contribute £316 million in Gross Value four day working weeks. Unless the MPs asking them to raise the issue in She tweets at @ToniaAntoniazzi for them. The Welsh Government is conditions around Swansea Bay make Added to the Welsh economy, and Government acts, in the words of Parliament and lobby the Government completely committed to renewable it perfect for a project of this nature. £76 million a year thereafter. In an Stevens: “an opportunity will have to sign off on this historic project.

18. SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice 19. OPINION OPINION

On the frontline against fracking

Louisa Casson

While July marks the start of the fracking industry drilling carry on signalling that it would give summer holidays for many people, in their neighbourhood. the go-ahead to an industry that not on the frontline of fracking it marked only risks disrupting local areas and anything but. In Lancashire, where This takes serious bravery and our shared climate, but has a history local residents have stopped any commitment. Yet many of those I of falling short on its promises to fracking taking place for six years, spoke with have the same fierce create jobs and local investment. a month of “Rolling Resistance” determination and conviction that brought together people from fracking in Lancashire is wrong. They MP, then Shadow across the country and beyond are deeply concerned by the risks Energy Secretary, told Labour to oppose fracking in the UK. to their local air quality, to their conference in September 2016, beautiful fields, to their water supply. “The real reason to ban fracking Grassroots groups and individuals They are appalled at the idea of is that it locks us into an energy Photo credit ‘Reclaim the Power’ working together managed to stage opening up a new fossil fuel industry infrastructure that is based on fossil a stunt or action every working day when the world is also experiencing fuels long after our country needs of the month to prevent or delay dangerous climate change. They to have moved to clean energy.” jobs it would create, overestimated confidence, and several businesses did more to oppose fracking in planned operations by fracking scoff at the fracking industry’s empty the amount of shale gas that is in their supply chain have pulled out Parliament, particularly as it is Labour company Cuadrilla. There were joyful promises for local people. Because Labour has a proud history of recoverable and it is benefiting of working with fracking companies. Party policy. They should show their carnival-esque mass demonstrations, they have seen companies like environmental action, including from huge tax breaks thanks to Under serious pressure, Cuadrilla support for peaceful protests against powerful processions from the anti- Cuadrilla collaborate with government passing the world-leading Climate George Osborne. , MP have even resorted to breaching fracking whenever possible.” fracking ‘Nanas’ (local grandmothers to stamp on local democracy. Change Act back in 2008. The battle for Lancaster & Fleetwood, has planning permission to get their opposing fracking for the harm it will against climate change is now so called this out, while union research equipment into the Lancashire inflict on their families) and physical For fracking is also a story of a urgent that it must take a central role revealed that Cuadrilla’s promises site outside of permitted hours. blockades of the site on Preston Conservative Government running in infrastructure decisions, and shape to create 1,700 jobs in Lancashire New Road, come rain or shine. roughshod over local opposition. discussions on what kind of economy would only last for one year, with Political support for fracking is Lancashire County Council rejected Britain’s success will be based on. only 200 jobs left after three years. becoming a clear dividing line, with Pulling off an entire month of Cuadrilla’s bid to frack at Preston the Tories on the wrong side. 30 heightened opposition shows New Road - and yet Tory minister Labour values also mean standing So it’s hardly surprising that marginal Labour constituencies (within the strength and diversity of this decided to overrule this up for communities, and part of that resistance to fracking is growing. 5,000 votes either way) contain sites movement of people opposing decision in October 2016 and give means taking a careful look at the best The Government’s own figures out which have been granted fracking fracking. Many people taking direct fracking the green light. So much opportunities for shared prosperity at the start of August show that licences. A growing number of action throughout July were the for localism (again). Social media’s across the country. Clean energy and public support for fracking in the these licence blocks are set to see first to admit that they would never rallying cry for July’s Rolling Resistance low carbon technologies now employ UK is at a record low, with just 16% planning applications lodged in the consider themselves “activists”, therefore echoed the Lancashire more people across the country than of people in support. Compare coming months. It’s time to step let alone “environmentalists”. residents choice: #WeSaidNo. the entire teaching profession. The that to more than three-quarters’ up resistance to this reckless and clean energy sector may currently support for renewable energy. outdated form of energy production. Yet these councillors, grandparents, I’m proud that last year Labour took account for 6 per cent of the Louisa Casson is an former civil servants, farmers and the brave decision to say: enough. British economy but is responsible But what happens in Lancashire is a As Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton environmental campaigner many more have all organised The next Labour government will for 30 per cent of its growth. litmus test for the prospects of the South East and Shadow Justice and is a member of the SERA demonstrations, rallied friends ban fracking in the UK. The decision fracking industry in the UK. Thanks to Minister, who recently visited the Executive Committee. She and families, and even put was based on the conviction that it In stark contrast, Cuadrilla has the sustained protests and opposition Lancs site, has said, “I believe that tweets at @LouisaCasson their own bodies in the way of would be disingenuous for Labour to exaggerated the amount of long-term so far, Cuadrilla are losing investor it’s time that our Labour politicians

20. SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice 21. VIEWS view from new zealand VIEWS

and individuals, and to achieve Our changing climate brings with it positive outcomes for workforces many challenges but also enormous in changing industries. Climate opportunity. A chance to diversify our change will bring with it the most economy, to put the environment front significant economic transformation and centre and to do the very best we New Zealand LABOUR’s in modern history. Industries and can for our country and the planet. workforces currently employed in high-emission industries must not be New Zealand is a small country Climate AMBITION consigned to the scrap heap as we but it has never stopped previous respond to the shocks of unplanned Labour governments from ensuring i e v w s 1 7 and urgent economic upheaval. we play our part or do what’s right. 0 2 Offering the right qualifications and Prime Minister Norman Kirk did not m Jacinda Ardern skills in the regions where they’re think us too small to protest French view fro required is the kind of joined up nuclear testing in the Pacific in the thinking from a progressive and 1970s and David Lange did not Jacinda Ardern is Leader of new zealand future-focused government that think us too small to say no nukes. the New Zealand Labour Party will ensure that we minimise the This is our generation’s nuclear- and Member of the New Zealand shocks and ensure a “just transition” free moment – and New Zealand, Parliament for Mt Albert. to a low-carbon economy. led by a Labour government, She tweets at @JacindaArden Climate change is undeniably delaying the inevitable. However it’s government, will include all sectors. will tackle it head-on. one of the greatest threats that not just agriculture where they’ve A science-led discussion must be had we face in our world today. opted for negligence. When it about the relative impacts of short- comes to reducing carbon emissions run and long-run gases, and how to From developing countries in the domestically, the Government will account for them. It is not feasible to tropics buckling under the weight instead spend up to an estimated wait for cows to cease emitting, or of huge storm surges to coastal $1.4 billion per annum over 10 years to spend billions offshore on credits cities in America where the sea on international carbon units to offset while emissions rise at home. The ENVIRONMENTAL ambition worldwide often meets the road, few countries emissions. A blinkered dependence sooner we face up to this issue, the can escape the effects of global on international carbon credits leaves more likely it is that we will be able to warming. The 2015 Paris Accord our country exposed to serious risk. ease the path for exposed industries, was a huge accomplishment, with and continue to innovate as we 195 countries signed on and at Carbon budgeting is crucial to respond to this global challenge. least 160 having since ratified. meeting our targets and Labour It’s not just New Zealand that’s vehicle innovation and alignment renewables commitment and Despite a successful agreement, has looked to the example of the looking to embrace ambition with social goals, economic the number is rising. Islamabad Paris was just the beginning and United Kingdom. We will establish A blinkered on tackling climate change development and planning. is rolling out ambitious plans for we still have a long road ahead. an independent climate commission and environmental leadership. cycling lanes while Seoul wants because we firmly believe that proper dependence on Across the world, countries and Environmental ambitions are not 10% of its population to cycle by New Zealand is responsible for a carbon budgeting delivers results, international carbon cities are leading on action. however limited to Scandinavia. In 2020. With Labour leadership, small total of emissions on a global something we’ve seen from the UK, Africa, Cape Verde is going 100% London and Manchester are scale, with an average of 0.1% of where carbon budgeting has seen credits leaves our Sweden, Denmark and Norway renewable by 2020. Nearly half of driving bold visions too. global net greenhouse gas emissions emissions drop 45 per cent since have for example heavily invested in Morocco’s energy will be renewable per annum between 1990 and 2011. 2008. It will also allow us to take country exposed smart, green and high-quality public by 2020, including from the world’s The UK used to lead with ambition It’s this tiny number that’s used in the planning out of the hands of transport, with cities using their largest solar plant, whilst all 48 of nationally. UK Government a string of excuses by the National politicians and remove it from the to serious risk devolved powers to drive ambition. the Climate Vulnerable Forum’s Ministers - Labour Ministers Government to justify a lack of action short-term thinking that accompanies Clean public transport is key to countries have committed to - showed global leadership on climate. We are relatively unique our three-year electoral cycle. An Copenhagen’s plan to be the first using 100% renewable energy and enacted ground-breaking in that almost half of our emissions independent climate commission will city in the world to be CO2 free by ‘as rapidly as possible’. environment policies, including come from agriculture, a sector that determine where and how we reduce The Government that I lead will not 2025 - whilst in the Swedish region the world’s first Climate Change is still not required to account for emissions across our economy and settle for a lack of action. The New of Skåne ambition and action has Germany has banned the internal Act, benefitting our economy, either methane or nitrous oxide. The these budgets will be legally binding. Zealand Labour Party has a history seen public transport use double combustion engine from 2030; quality of life and future. Where current National Government has of putting people first – it strikes since 2000. This has been driven Norway by 2025. Cities are is that UK ambition now? chosen to focus funding on finding a Labour will also address agriculture. to the very core of our values. That by investment, good off-peak leading too - Mexico City is miraculous “silver bullet” for reducing Our Emissions Trading Scheme, means we need to put plans in provision, smart and simple multi- ending diesels by 2025. In the Jake Sumner is agricultural emissions and are simply weakened by the current place to protect our communities modal ticketing, zero emission- US 25 cites have made the 100% Co-Chair of SERA

22. SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice 23. VIEWS view from WALES VIEWS The business of becoming a The Welsh Labour sustainable nation Government is leading i e v w s 1 7 0 the way with a green 2 m Anna McMorrin MP view fro growth agenda WALES 0 1 2 7 v i e w view fro s How one country can lead the way At the time of going to print the Generations Act and Environment to a greener, more prosperous future UK’s long awaited long-awaited Act the Welsh Government has set W m Clean Growth Plan is soon to be out a legal framework in which far ALES The effects of climate change and made public. But this is a case of too reaching economic, environmental resource depletion mean that the little too late from a Government and social policy can be developed. old, tired way of doing business that has failed to show any true is an insufficient and inadequate leadership on this agenda. A commitment to sustainable scale. The size of the economic and hectares of woodland estate and response to the challenges facing development has also long been technological transition required will 10,000 hectares of other coastal today’s advanced economies. Its publication was first promised a distinctive feature of Welsh need a truly innovative approach, with and river based assets and acts as Governments and businesses must in late 2016 and is expected to devolution. With a Future Generations the increasing pace of technological a catalyst for both environmental come together to create new models provides a blueprint for the UK’s Commissioner appointed to ensure development able to deliver significant and economic priorities. of inclusive and sustainable growth. decarbonisation pathway through the this commitment is being delivered, change for the next generation. This is what is happening in Wales. 2020s and early 2030s. Under current this puts Wales above and beyond If the UK Government has any sort policies the UK is on track to miss its many of its counterparts the world Young peoples’ voices will be critical of real ambition to lead on green In the same way that the availability legally binding emission reduction over. It is this strong ambition to this process as the generation growth it must do likewise and put of natural resources put Wales at targets for the mid 2020s onwards, and drive that can help Wales who will be at the heart of driving in place long term statutory goals the forefront of the first industrial prompting warnings that more action become a world leader in green change over the next 20 years. The to reflect what we want to see revolution, driving the growth of is needed. The delay has led to growth, providing a platform and challenge now is to drive green both now and in the future. It must iron and coal, and then steel and growing frustration amongst business location where companies who growth widely and quickly, as we improve the position of business and manufacturing, it is our abundant and industry leaders, with calls for it share these values can thrive. face the risks and opportunities prioritise investing in high quality and natural resources that can drive to be published as soon as possible of the twenty first century.’ sustainable infrastructure, making the growth of a new and different in order to avoid an investment hiatus the UK a more attractive place to do economy that will be rooted in and spiralling decarbonisation costs. It is this strong ambition Successful markets need a strong business. At the moment we have a the sustainable and intelligent and drive that can help clear strategic vision and an effective UK Government that cannot take a use of those resources. In a competitive global marketplace, regulatory regime. The UK Tory decision on the tidal lagoon, U-turns companies will invest where there Wales become a world Government has neither. In Wales on rail electrification investment and The Welsh Labour Government are the best conditions to enable our Government has reformed and fails to invest in energy efficiency, all is leading the way with a green long term sustainable growth. The leader in green growth amalgamated our environmental of which provides the vital economic growth agenda which provides an Welsh Government has recognised organisations, leading in April and environmental infrastructure Anna McMorrin MP is alternative economic model for the critical importance of building 2013, to the creation of Natural needed to boost jobs and growth the Labour MP for Cardiff business. This is in stark contrast to the confidence required for long It is clear that the next 20 years will Resources Wales (NRW). NRW’s and support the environment. North and a former adviser the shambolic direction of the Tories term investment. It has introduced see a period of massive technology led role is to ensure the sustainable to the Welsh Government. in England who seem unable to give a strong legislative framework that change and much of the technology use of Wales’ natural resources as The Secretary of State would do well She tweets at @AnnaMcMorrin any clear steer on climate targets or can give certainty beyond electoral required for green growth already a positive partner in green growth. to remember this and take a look over on long term sustainable growth. cycles. With its Well-Being for Future exists but needs applying on a large NRW itself manages or owns 126,000 the border to Wales for inspiration.

24. SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice 25. VIEWS view from SCOTLAND VIEWS

Scottish Challenges: Shaping the Climate

v i e w s 7 1 Change Plan 0 2 m view fro Claudia Beamish MSP scotland

Since the spring when I highlighted supporting calls for a Just Transition Government has procrastinated for the challenges and opportunities as Commission and a more robust and too long and it is still unclear what we move towards sustainable land properly funded Transition Training their final decision will be, so I have use in Scotland, much has happened. Fund for affected workers and proceeded. I have argued throughout 1 7 v 2 0 i e communities. This is essential from a my bill process that we don’t need w s The Climate Change Plan scrutiny labour movement perspective. The a new fossil fuel in Scotland. A period is almost over. Agriculture Scottish Trade Union Congress has transition fuel isn’t necessary. We out how things can work so well. I Bus re-regulation is also a view fro remains one of the GHG heaviest now endorsed a motion supporting should be moving towards more have now experienced being an equal fundamental part of this. It is so emitters and the Plan is not as Just Transition and it is right that renewables jobs and demand road user as a cyclist! Old city streets disappointing that Iain Gray’s Bill m robust as it should be in relation to many trade unions and environmental reduction. Our communities don’t and narrow roads are no excuse! ran out of time in the last Scottish scotland land use. The Scottish Government NGOs are working together to want this. It would affect our water Parliament. We are now determined still has time to face the stark truth develop a fair way forward for and air. There are also significant We are making a bold start. I am a to build on this work for both our that while there is good practice, affected workers and communities as health risks. New research has also Co–Convenor of the new the Scottish rural and urban communities. All encouragement alone is not enough! we move to the low carbon economy. suggest that Scotland’s geology Parliament Cross-Party Group for these transport commitments The Plan should also relate to is not suitable for any significant Cycling, Walking and Buses. In the last will help address air pollution the Land Use Strategy, the status It’s also important that the role of unconventional gas extraction. parliamentary session, we managed which is an unacceptable health of which should be statutory. housing is not forgotten within the to work together with the Scottish hazard for our communities. Bill. As my colleague Pauline McNeil Transport is now the heaviest Government to introduce an award for The Climate Change Bill is out to MSP wrote about for the SERA blog greenhouse gas emitter in Scotland. local authorities which I developed. Finally, we must never overlook our consultation now. Our first Climate in August, Labour in Scotland has The Climate Change Plan has so far The first winner is Glasgow and there marine environment. The Marine Act Change Act (2009) was widely been campaigning for new energy failed to properly address modal shift will be an on-road segregated cycle (2010) has set the foundations for regarded as world leading. The efficiency standards for private in its proposals. It is extraordinary route from the Gorbals to the heart robust marine policies, underpinned targets were aspirational and much rented homes: cold homes don’t just that there is so little commitment of the city built by summer 2018. by the first Climate Change Act. of the technology which could waste energy, they harm residents’ to active travel while the focus for This must be upgraded to include deliver them wasn’t invented. If we health. The Scottish Government change rests on the move from fuel to Scottish Labour will also continue to proposals to develop Blue Carbon - are to remain in the vanguard and must be more ambitious on this low emission vehicles. While this will press for a really good integrated the carbon captured by our oceans inspire other countries, we must set subject. You can read the full article be essential, it ignores the congestion public transport system. We are also and marine ecosystems. Scottish equally challenging targets – net at sera.org.uk/why_scottish_labour_ which would continue if we based determined that there should be a real Labour is also supportive of a Deposit zero emissions by 2050 or even are_fighting_for_warm_homes our policies on a failure to get people chance of a People’s Railway – so well Return Scheme which will bring a earlier should be our quest. This out of their metal boxes on wheels supported by SERA, the Co-op Party radical change in our seas – keeping Claudia Beamish MSP is would mean really robust interim I am proud that my member’s Bill to and onto their feet or two wheels. and ASLEF. It is heartening that the plastic bottles out of our waters and Scottish Labour’s Spokesperson targets with no risk of leaving it all Ban Onshore Fracking has progressed This would, of course, necessitate a train is becoming a more popular way away from sea life. What’s more, on Environment, Climate to the 2030s. We are also exploring through the consultation stage with range of initiatives – not least real to get from London to Edinburgh than by keeping them in the circular Change and Land Reform. the possibility of sectoral targets. over 80% of respondents in favour change in our infrastructure such as the plane! By the way, Scottish Labour economy we will also be bringing She tweets at @claudiabeamish of a total ban. The climate change in some European countries. This is fighting the SNP proposal to cut Air more new jobs in remanufacturing. As part of the new Bill, I will be science is irrefutable. The Scottish summer I visited Amsterdam to check Departure Tax by 50% all the way!

26. SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice 27. VIEWS view from westminster VIEWS

speech to highlight the urgent that day to day concerns and short action and connect with others is Swearing In: action needed on climate change term decision-making have overtaken vital for successful campaigns. For as well as my commitment to the need for long term strategic this reason I am really grateful to use my position in Parliament to thinking. It’s because of this shift be a part of SERA. The breadth of Life as a new MP drive progress on the issue: that we have to fight doubly hard on SERA’s environmental knowledge climate change issues: by the time it and expertise is incredibly powerful, ‘In the words of President Obama: 0 1 7 v reaches the top of the headlines on and as I put the promises of my 2 i e w “No challenge poses a greater a daily basis it will be too late and election campaign and maiden s view fro threat to future generations we’ll be over the tipping point. speech into action I’m looking Alex Sobel than climate change.” forward to working with members westminsterm I want to always think about the world to push for environmental ambition This Chamber is a stage where my children are inheriting and what across Parliament and beyond. the world can hear our voice. It is I can do to help make the changes incumbent on me to use that voice that will ensure they have a world at As I saw during the election, with to ensure that while I sit on these least as good as the one I grew up in. enough energy and support we As a candidate in a marginal seat take up to three months. In the longer term ones like climate Benches, I will speak truth to power There are huge opportunities for the can make a difference. As an MP I you don’t really consider the detail meantime you therefore have to change that the Government and be an advocate for this one UK in the development of green and intend to do everything I can to do of what entering Parliament actually try to do everything on your own would at best like to ignore? issue, which will define and shape sustainable industries, across energy, the same on climate ambition. means. Everything is about the – whilst learning how everything our future more than any other. transport, housing and manufacturing. campaign, especially when it is as works including the hundreds of There are a number of tools at an These sectors can create new jobs and short and unexpected as 2017 was. internal systems! Constituents expect MP’s disposal. Select Committees, Action to combat climate change improved livelihoods for communities v i e w 1 7 0 s an unbroken service, yet it took 6 for example, are particularly will give us the best possible chance across the UK, and in doing so inspire 2 In 7 busy weeks we registered voters, weeks to get a landline in Parliament powerful tools designed to hold to save this planet, because it is the new advocates for climate action. built our volunteer infrastructure and and over three months to arrange the government to account. As only home that we have got. If we do m talked to as many people as possible one for the constituency office! independent parliamentary groups not ensure that we take every step view fro about the issues that mattered to they can scrutinise key topics, towards a carbon-free future, we will I want to always think them. It was a campaign full of energy, The administrative challenge is small grilling ministers and witnesses. I be judged as having failed future about the world my westminster with existing members and new however compared to the vast amount have therefore applied to be on the generations, and I am sure nobody volunteers alike coming out in huge of Parliamentary procedure you Environmental Audit Committee came into this House to be a failure.’ children are inheriting numbers, passionate about the topics have to learn: oral questions, written where I can question departments that we were talking about, from free questions, ten-minute rule bills, on how they are meeting their Those words have been twenty education to improving air quality. adjournment debates, Westminster obligations under the Paris Agreement years in the making. I was inspired Hall debates, emergency debates, or ask about the effect of Brexit on to become involved in politics as it’s To make the most of these It was therefore after an amazing, general debates… the list goes on. the environment. Written and oral the single best way to resolve the opportunities – to do things like whirlwind few weeks that I found These are things you’ve seen from questions are another key tool, with great issues of our time. When I was fixing our regulatory infrastructure myself walking into the Palace of the outside and might have a general ministers compelled to answer direct a student in the 90s I already felt that or making renewables markets Westminster on the 12th June as understanding of, but learning how questions. Cross-party alliances are coming out of the Cold War global work - we need the political will and a new MP – a role that nothing to be become involved, instigate also useful, with climate cutting warming was the next big threat. As ambition. With the right support can truly prepare you for. and influence is another matter – across party lines, and whilst I haven’t a result I joined Green Action and got the UK can not only play our part not to mention some of the odder done this yet the importance of involved in a number of environmental in the fight against climate change The induction process can’t be faulted. traditions which can seem incredible the issue means that I am willing to campaigns, from stopping the but also be a world leader on the You get your pass, IT equipment, on first experience! Even if you get put tribalism aside to make gains. construction of bypasses on areas low carbon economy, but it won’t travel and security information and a to speak there’s uncertainty about Finally, via both the media and of natural beauty to collecting cans happen without political leadership. buddy from the Parliamentary staff to how much time you will get, which speeches in the chamber, you can for recycling on campus. What was show you around on the first day, not sometimes means you have to speak out and raise the profile of a minority pastime then is now From cutting through the political ALEX SOBEL is the Labour to mention a whole host of briefings scratch out whole sections of your climate issues, challenging deniers much more widespread, but our noise to tackling complex technical MP for North West and talks. You don’t however get speech minutes before delivering it. and highlighting the need to act. timescales are rapidly shortening. knowledge, championing action and is a member of the SERA an office, and you suddenly have to on climate change won’t always Executive Committee. recruit new staff; with the application How then in this environment can On the environment I started as I The burdens of modern media and be easy. Being able to draw on He tweets at @AlexSobel process and notice periods this can MPs progress issues – especially meant to go on, using my maiden politics have unfortunately meant specialist expertise, coordinate

28. SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice 29.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT Energy Procurement LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Hackney currently purchases its energy through the Cabinet Office framework. has now begun the process of political will and a relatively small Despite attractive contract prices, this establishing its own municipal energy amount of capital investment, Hackney’s process also promotes the continued company. One of the great strengths could be delivered tomorrow. use of carbon-intensive energy, with of the municipal model is that it that around 80% of its electricity drawn it allows for generation, distribution, Clean Energy from fossil-fuel sources. There is and – increasingly – storage to be All these measures, therefore scope to make progress organised per local needs, rather towards our decarbonisation target than the priorities of a centralised with the political will Revolution through procurement. Officers are system dominated by the Big Six. also currently preparing an options and a relatively small Cllr Jon Burke paper, focusing on three scenarios: While Robin Hood Energy has amount of capital been incredibly ambitious about • The prospect of the Cabinet Office matching the offer of conventional investment, could be Reading about the transition from leadership position on climate and is attended by senior officers framework setting a minimum energy companies, it’s important to feudalism to industrial capitalism change. Trump’s decision to withdraw across every directive. This group is target of 50% of energy obtained recognise that this is just one option delivered tomorrow in Eric Roll’s A History of Economic from the Paris Agreement has, an important means of consistently from renewables within five years available to councils. Hackney will Thought recently brought home for example, galvanised climate emphasising the new, holistic nature take a different route: one that is led to me the true scale of the climate action at the state, city and local of energy policy in Hackney. • The cost of Hackney withdrawing first and foremost by the necessity of challenge. Roll demonstrates the government levels across the United from the framework and pursuing meeting our renewable energy target, I firmly believe that it is already glacial pace (no pun intended) with States. This is happening globally, Given the long-term scope of the its own energy procurement, but one that will still have wider possible to make significant inroads which our current system came with cities and municipalities target, organisational culture change is with a minimum target of 50% social objectives. Crucially, the route towards our target of energy from into being. We however have the doing the job that central perhaps more important than technical renewables within five years we pursue will seek to use the roof 100% renewable sources by 2050. unenviable task of transforming this governments appear incapable fixes. This starts with creating space we own - 50% of the residential There will no doubt be unanticipated system at a pace for which there or unwilling to do themselves. energy policy leadership amongst • The number of local authorities roof space in the borough - to cover barriers and in some areas, such is no precedent in human history. senior officers, and will be sustained that would have to withdraw Hackney in solar PV, a technology as natural gas, infrastructure that Not to be outdone, Hackney Council over the long-term by creating from the existing framework and that is cheap, proven, and a very does not currently exist will be The extent of the challenge is recently became the 71st local ‘path dependency’ across the local form a new, renewables-focused visible expression of our ambitions. necessary to meet the UK100 target. dizzying. The planet is now the authority signatory to the UK100 authority. Ensuring energy savings can framework to keep administration However, what is abundantly clear warmest it has been for 115,000 Agreement, which commits us to be banked by heads of service is one costs at close to the existing cost. The beauty of decentralised energy is that, with existing renewables years; the atmosphere has the highest the incredibly stretching target of way of achieving this in the short-term. is the level of flexibility it provides: technology, with the intelligent use concentration of heat-trapping carbon deriving our energy from 100% While the ‘going rogue’ option is Swindon is using surrounding of procurement, and with a rigorous dioxide for 800,000 years; and nine renewable sources by 2050. Energy Efficiency very much on the table, collective farmland to create solar farms approach to energy efficiency, a of the ten global hottest years have procurement is obviously more whilst Enfield is using waste heat fossil fuel-free world is possible. occurred since the year 2000. To achieve the UK100 goal we have We are in the first stages of desirable. Local authorities in from the Edmonton Eco Park. begun by taking matters back to implementing a whole-authority London currently spend roughly Municipalities which have none of The good news is that decoupling first principles. That means obtaining energy efficiency framework in £200m a year to light and heat their these attributes should look to others energy from carbon emissions is energy usage data across a local line with ISO50001, the highest own buildings. Procuring at this for inspiration, such as both technically possible and, via the authority with more than 6000 internationally-recognised standard for scale therefore provides a huge County Council, which is using its creation of good jobs and reducing employees, numerous directorates, energy management. Organisations opportunity to drive renewable 4000 miles of verges to produce pollution, highly desirable. The real and a vast number of buildings; it following this standard have achieved energy deployment and ensure costs biogas from waste clippings. question is whether we can achieve means understanding how we procure reductions in both gas and electricity are kept low. If the Cabinet Office is this transition with sufficient speed. energy from the wholesale markets consumption of up to 20%, whilst also willing to reform, this approach could If, excluding housing (which and what the alternatives might generating up to a three-fold return be badged as part of the national requires its own package of At the level of the nation state, the be; and it means establishing what on investment. In Hackney, savings decarbonisation agenda. If not, local measures), Hackney reduced its signs do not look good. Despite the the borough’s natural endowments on this magnitude would translate authorities will almost certainly find corporate consumption of energy apparent initial success of a Paris are and how they might be used into £1.3m per year – equivalent to a another way of weaponising their by 20%; if it were able to achieve Agreement, it is abundantly clear to help us to become a leader 2% Council Tax rise – whilst making procurement of energy to tackle the not unreasonable target of that, with few exceptions, central in clean energy generation. the decarbonisation challenge much climate change. The ball is very 50% renewables from purchased governments have been characterised smaller. As many of the organisations much in the Cabinet Office’s court. energy; and if it were able to Cllr Jon Burke is Executive by inaction, contradiction, and This approach – efficiency, that have implemented ISO50001 generate a modest 10% of its Member for Energy, Sustainability continued ‘debate’ about science procurement, and generation have been big industrial users of Generation energy from its own renewable and Community Services at that is essentially settled. – is being overseen by a newly- energy with low demand elasticity, energy infrastructure, we would Hackney Council and is Labour established Corporate Energy the scope to achieve efficiencies We’re taking Hackney back to its have reduced the carbon intensity Councillor for Woodberry Down. Local and city government has Working Group (CEWG), which within a local government setting municipal energy roots. In keeping of our energy consumption against He tweets at @JonBurkeUK however increasingly taken a meets roughly every two months is perhaps even greater. with pioneering local authorities such current levels by approximately as Nottingham and Bristol, Hackney 65%. All these measures, with the

30. SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice SERA Campaigning for environmental change & social justice 31. SERA at 2017

The SERA Sunday Lunch Speakers: Vicki Hird Sustainability Hub Conversation: What Farm Campaign Reception with SERA Should Labour Fight For Sue Hayman MP Coordinator, Sustain in Food and Farming? Shadow Secretary of Monday 25 September State for DEFRA Belinda Gordon 20:00 - 21:30 Sunday 24 September Head of Government and Hall 7 - Tyne, Hilton Metropole 12:45 - 14:00 Jane Merrick Rural Affairs, Campaign for the Speakers: The Dome Room, Political journalist & Protection of Rural England Hotel du Vin, Ship Street allotment blogger Rebecca Long Bailey MP Richard Benwell Shadow Secretary of This event takes place outside Head of Government Affairs, State for BEIS the secure zone - attendees do Jake Sumner SERA Co-Chair Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust not need a conference pass Alan Whitehead MP Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change Kindly supported by Sustain, CPRE & WWT Melanie Smallman SERA Co-Chair

A Breath of Fresh Air: Speakers: Diana Holland Kindly supported Labour Leading the Assistant General Secretary, by ClientEarth, Way on Air Quality MP Transport, Unite Tantalum & UK100 Shadow Transport Minister Monday 25th September James Thornton 12:45 - 14:00 Leonie Cooper AM CEO, ClientEarth The Dome Room, Chair of the Environment Hotel du Vin, Ship Street Committee, London Assembly Geraint Davies MP Rapporteur for Air Quality, Cllr Judith Blake Council of Europe This event takes place outside Leader of the secure zone - attendees do and Co-Chair, UK100 Melanie Smallman not need a conference pass Co-Chair, SERA

The Green Challenge: Speakers: How Labour Can Champion the Environment Through Sue Hayman MP Lord Rooker Stephanie Hilborne OBE Brexit and Beyond Shadow Secretary of Former DEFRA CEO, The Wildlife Trusts State for DEFRA Minister of State Tuesday 26 September, Polly Billington 12:45 - 14:00 Mary Creagh MP Shaun Spiers (Chair) SERA Executive Member The Dome Room, Chair of the Environmental CEO, Green Alliance Hotel du Vin, Ship Street Audit Committee This event takes place outside the secure zone - attendees do not need a conference pass

In association with Greener UK

The SERA Rally: The Green Transformation - Local to Global Leadership

Tuesday 26 September, Speakers: Mary Creagh MP Paul Nowak 18:00 - 19:30 Rebecca Long-Bailey MP Chair of the Environmental Deputy General The Dome Room, Shadow Secretary of Audit Committee Secretary, TUC Hotel du Vin, Ship Street State for BEIS MP Cllr Judith Blake Leader of Leeds City Council Sue Hayman MP Lisa Nandy MP This event takes place outside Shadow Secretary of the secure zone - attendees do State for DEFRA Anneliese Dodds MP not need a conference pass & more to be Shadow Treasury Minister announced Chi Onwurah MP Join Labour’s environment Shadow Minister for MP Chaired by campaign at our flagship Industrial Strategy Shadow DEFRA Minister event to hear five minute Jake Sumner & Matthew Pennycook MP MP Melanie Smallman, visions for a brighter, Shadow Minister for SERA Co-Chairs greener Britain Exiting the EU Seb Dance MEP