Local MP to support Climate Bill

Montgomeryshire MP, Steve Witherden has said he will vote for the Climate and Nature Bill - a private members bill, which will be debated in the House of Commons at the end of January.

he Climate and Nature Bill, spearheaded by Roz Savage MP with cross-party backing, will be debated in the House of Commons on Friday, 24 January.

If passed, the CAN Bill would enshrine a legally binding mission statement into UK law, ensuring coordinated, science-driven action against the climate and nature crises.

Among its key proposals are commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target, reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, end reliance on fossil fuels, and address the UK’s environmental impact overseas.

Additionally, the bill calls for the creation of a “Climate and Nature Assembly” to involve the public in decision-making processes.

Steve Witherden MP emphasized the urgent need for such legislation in his rural constituency, which has faced the brunt of climate change impacts, including severe flooding.

Commenting, he said:

“Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr is one of the most rural constituencies in Wales. Our beautiful countryside is a great asset, yet under threat. Many of our communities are on the banks of the Severn, the Vyrnwy, and the Dee, and this autumn has seen severe flooding, again made worse by man-made climate change.”

Mr Witherden highlighted the region’s success in conservation, particularly the recovery of red kites, a species that once faced near-extinction.

He noted that this achievement serves as a model for how proactive measures can yield remarkable results. “Thanks to a miraculous reintroduction project, there are now thousands of breeding pairs across Britain,” he remarked.

During his campaign, Mr Witherden pledged to prioritize climate action, a commitment he reiterated in his support for the CAN Bill.

He praised efforts at both the Welsh and UK Government levels to combat the climate emergency, including investments in renewable energy, flood defences, and the decarbonisation of the electricity grid.

“The scale of the challenge means we must do as much as possible to tighten the responsibility of both current and future governments to achieve climate and nature targets,” he stated. “The CAN Bill does just that. I will be proud to vote for it on 24 January and hope to see it passed into law.”