Climate change is not just a priority for responsible world leaders, it should be a concern for us all at a local level. My personal view is very clear: I will work to ensure we reduce our impacts on the environment in Devon and stick by our commitment to net zero – for all our futures.

The Reform Party want to scrap Net Zero, and the Conservative candidate for Tiverton West refers to it as a ‘Net Zero fallacy’ and ‘climate clap trap’! I stand with our leader Sir Ed Davey and MP Rachel Gilmour in a pledge to achieve if not exceed the Net Zero target.

The Liberal Democrat Party in the UK is committed to addressing climate change and has set ambitious targets to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. In the 2024 general election manifesto, “For a Fair Deal”, we pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2045, five years ahead of the current government target of 2050.

To support this goal, the party has proposed significant investments in green infrastructure, innovation, training, and skills across the UK. These initiatives aim to boost economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Additionally, Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage introduced the Climate and Nature Bill in October 2024. This proposed legislation seeks to:

Reduce the UK's greenhouse gas emissions in line with international commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Halt and reverse the destruction of the natural world, aligning with the Global Biodiversity Framework 2022.

Establish a temporary Climate and Nature Assembly to advise on strategies to achieve these targets.

These actions underscore the Liberal Democrats’ dedication to proactive and accelerated measures in combating climate change and achieving net-zero emissions. You can read more here.