At the meeting of January 15th, 2024, Hertford Town Council unanimously voted to endorse the Climate and Ecology Bill currently being promoted through Parliament by the environmental advocacy group Zero Hour.

The Climate and Ecology Bill aims to rapidly cut UK greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C, restore biodiverse ecosystems, and establish a citizens' assembly to engage the public on climate policy. The cross-party support from the Green and Labour coalition governing Hertford Town Council reflects its broad appeal.

The Council has written to Zero Hour's Campaigns Director Amy McDonnell, outlined its reasons for backing the bill, including that the Bill includes comprehensive statistics, contains provisions for retraining workers working in industries that will contract as result of the Bill, and involves citizens through an assembly.

The Council willingly accepts the important role that advocacy plays in civic and community leadership, adding that the council will promote its endorsement by copying relevant MPs, posting on its website, and notifying the local press.

The Chair of the Council, Councillor Vicky Smith said "Taking action on climate change is imperative, and this bill provides a comprehensive framework for the UK to transition away from fossil fuels in a just manner. I applaud Zero Hour for this ambitious policy proposal."

Hertford Town Council's backing demonstrates the critical role local governments can play in demanding national climate legislation. As momentum grows, it is hoped that more councils are expected to join Hertford in calling for urgent, far-reaching policies to address the climate emergency.

CLIMATE AND ECOLOGY BILL

At the meeting of Hertford Town Council held on 15th January 2024, the Council resolved unanimously to support this important Bill.

The consideration of the Bill drew cross party support of the Green Party and Labour Party that form Hertford Town Council’s current administration.

The key points of the discussion that took place are:

• The statistics contained in the briefing available on the campaign website are both informative and comprehensive.
• The requirement of the Bill to require Government to provide financial support for the retraining for people whose livelihoods and jobs will be affected by the proposed measures is most welcome.
• The involvement of the wider population in the setting up of and participation in a citizen’s assembly is a refreshing and vital feature of the Bill and the achievement of the Bill’s objectives.
• The support for the biosphere as part of the broader consideration of climate change is welcomed.
• The support by some large trade unions is noted and welcomed. The Council recognises the vital importance of the Bill to assist the transition of the workforce from fossil fuel and related industries into different career and work opportunities.