Last night (18 September), I had the privilege of hosting a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing at Riverside Hall in Bampton. Seventy local residents joined me for what turned out to be a truly meaningful evening of film, discussion and community connection.
The People’s Emergency Briefing is a powerful 50-minute film that combines expert scientific evidence—originally presented at a Westminster briefing in November 2025, with commentary from scientists, public figures including Chris Packham, Jennifer Saunders and Deborah Meaden, and everyday citizens. It doesn’t shy away from the difficult realities we face, examining the risks that environmental and climate breakdown pose to our health, food systems and economy.
After watching the film together, we broke into small groups to discuss what we’d seen. The conversations were honest, sometimes difficult, but always constructive. People then stood up to share their concerns and ideas with the whole room. I was struck by the thoughtfulness of the contributions and the genuine desire to understand what we can do, both individually and as a community.
I’m grateful to Judi Thomas from Bampton Wildlife Group, who helped facilitate the discussions and kept us focused on turning concern into action. Judi compiled a list of action points from the evening, which will be shared through Bampton Town Council and Bampton Library so that everyone in our community can see what emerged. She also gathered names from those interested in supporting local volunteering initiatives. If you weren’t able to attend but would like to get involved, please do get in touch.
This screening was part of a growing national movement. Communities across the country are hosting similar events, bringing neighbours and local leaders together to discuss how we respond to the environmental challenges ahead. The campaign is also calling on the UK Government to broadcast an official, prime-time televised emergency briefing delivered by independent experts, giving every household access to the same clear, scientific information.
I’m pleased that our local MP, Rachel Gilmour, has already signed the Early Day Motion formally requesting such a broadcast. A parliamentary petition supporting this call has now gathered 128,000 signatures, meaning it will be debated in Parliament when it closes in November.
Finally, my thanks go to Bampton Town Council for their support with the venue. Events like this only happen because of the willingness of local organisations to come together and make them possible.
It was heartening to see seventy people give up their evening to engage with these issues. Whatever our political views, we all share a stake in the future of our community, our country and our planet. If last night showed me anything, it’s that people in Bampton are ready to have these conversations, and ready to act.