The CEE Bill is steadily gaining momentum - 89 MPs have now given it their support, as well as several organisations - see MPs & Supporters - CEE Bill Alliance Several local Councils around the country have also passed motions supporting the Bill. Its second reading will be on 12th March.
Our area's two MPs have yet to declare their support for the Bill. We have gained some useful clarification of Matt Western's position from a fantastic climate charity Hope for the Future. Hope for the Future equips communities, groups and individuals with the necessary training and information to communicate with politicians about the climate emergency. It has confirmed to us that as Labour party policy is not to support the CEE Bill in its entirety, it is highly improbable that Matt, as an Opposition Whip, will be able to lend his explicit support for it. His job is to ensure that Labour MPs vote the way the party wants them to and he is bound by a commitment to remain loyal in public to the official party line on any issue.
However Matt is Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Climate Change which demonstrates his interest in and understanding of climate change and and he has a positive voting record on it as well. He's also part of the APPGs on Cycling and Walking and Electric Vehicles.
Come to the Local Group Meeting on 14th January if you're interested in discussing how we can build more support for the Bill.
