Banner over Bewdley Bypass urges MP to back climate change bill

Members of Wyre Forest Extinction Rebellion unfurled a nine-metre banner from a bridge over the Bewdley Bypass on Friday (March 26), urging the MP to 'act now on climate change!' before marching on Mr Garnier's constituency office in Stourport with placards.

Protesters from the Extinction Rebellion marched on MP Mark Garnier's office in Stourport to urge him to support the bill

The protest was part of a national initiative by the Extinction Rebellion to draw attention to the new Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill, which would bring in far-reaching measures to tackle the climate crisis.

David Whiting, a spokesman for the Extinction Rebellion's Wyre Forest branch, said: "The CEE Bill currently has the support of 103 members of parliament, but our local MP Mark Garnier is so far not one of them.

“We urgently need him to back this vitally important legislation, because the government’s target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 gives us, at best, only a 50/50 chance of avoiding a devastating rise in global temperature.”

Another group representative, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “The River Severn in Wyre Forest has seen three major floods in 12 months, which is an unprecedented situation.

“Only one mile from Mark Garnier's office, Sandbourne Brook was within a couple of inches of flooding on to the Stourport Road, which would have left it impassable to traffic.

“Yet there are plans to build up to 100 houses on adjacent land, which will only add to the problem.

“By supporting this bill, Mark can ensure that far greater prominence is given to the environmental impact of future building development.

“The CEE Bill will also properly address global heating, the root cause of severe flooding, and tackle the multitude of issues which are contributing to the climate and ecological emergency, as well allowing for much greater involvement of ordinary people in making the decisions that will impact us all.”

Mr Garnier said: "Climate change is a serious problem and that is why the government is doing a huge amount, ensuring that the UK plays its leading role.

"I engage with groups across Wyre Forest who share these concerns and I am always keen to hear their point of view.

"The Wyre Forest Extinction Rebellion group clearly have strong views and I have always been happy to meet them.

"In future, it would be helpful if they contacted me first to make an appointment - as everyone is welcome to do - and maybe protesting outside an empty office, because of lockdown, is not the best use of their time. But I wish them well."