In common with several other interested local people, we have
been trying for some time to obtain a meeting with our MP, Mel
Stride, to discuss our concerns about climate change. Thus far we
have been unsuccessful. We appreciate the practical difficulties
arising from Covid restrictions, but feel strongly that this is not
a matter that should be shelved any longer.
Below is the text of our most recent thoughts on the subject,
sent by way of an open letter to the Crediton Courier. We await its
decision on whether to publish. We shall also be sending the letter
directly to Mel Stride, and will keep you updated as to his
response.
'Dear Mel Stride,
It was interesting to read your "Farewell
to 2020" in the Crediton Courier of January 8th, and we appreciate
the support you have provided for local businesses and schools, as
well as the Okehampton rail campaign.
However, whilst you speak of your
environmental commitment, it seems that only a few small steps have
been taken in relation to the urgent climate crisis. Much more
needs to be done; we face coming out of the Covid crisis in an even
weaker position to combat climate change than we were in
beforehand. It need not be like this! 2021 needs
to be a year of serious action to combat climate change, building a
green recovery from Covid with new infrastructure and new
jobs.
Many non-governmental groups want to
contribute to the efforts we need to make to avert the worst
effects of the climate crisis. We were
heartened by your letter to us at Sustainable Crediton
in August, when you offered to meet us 'shortly' to discuss ideas
for further action both locally and nationally, but no date came
through. We heard from you again, on 5th
October, thanking us for our submission to your inquiry,
'Decarbonisation and Green Finance', and again on 4th November,
congratulating us on the improvement of the green space at
Landscore Road. However, in spite of our follow-up letter, we are
very sorry that we have still not heard back from you with a
proposed date for a meeting.Obviously in the Covid context, such a
meeting would need to be on-line.Please would you schedule in a
meeting with us as soon as possible? It's critical to avoid falling
further behind in the race to combat climate change.
Yours sincerely,
Dee Ross, John Craythorne, Esther Mann,
Caroline Romijn
Core Group, Sustainable
Crediton