Add your community’s voice to our letter to party leaders

Protecting the things we love from the worst impacts of climate change is too important for division and delay. We need urgent action. 

As we head into an election year, we need to show all politicians, political parties and candidates that people up and down the country support urgent action to address the climate and nature crises.

We’re asking local groups and organisations all over the country to sign up to this letter. Each group that signs up represents people organising and acting for positive change in their own communities. 

Add your community’s voice to this letter to party leaders, and help us demonstrate the breadth and depth of the public mandate for action.

  • Dear political party leaders,

    We are writing to you as representatives of local organisations and groups from the length and breadth of the UK, with a huge diversity of experience and interests. What brings us together is our shared hope and commitment to do our bit for people and our planet. We are calling on you to commit to doing the same, and put people and our planet first.

    As we worry about the state of our NHS and struggle to pay our bills, we also see the precious rivers, green spaces and species we love in decline. Storms, heatwaves and wildfires caused by the climate crisis are multiplying, with devastating impacts on communities in the UK and across the world.

    But we have not lost hope. We can create a country and a world where children walk to school breathing fresh air instead of dangerous fumes and enjoy healthy, sustainable food. Where the natural landscapes and wildlife we love are protected and thriving. Where all communities have the resources to build back from floods, fire or drought. Where our homes are warm and powered by affordable, clean energy. Where parents think about the future with hope instead of fear.

    The decisions we make now - like swapping expensive, polluting energy sources for clean, affordable ones - mean we can hold our heads high in the knowledge that the UK is doing its fair share to address climate change, and helping the hardest-hit in communities around the world who are on the front lines of the climate crisis.

    Now, as an election approaches, we want to be part of a conversation with you. We want to know how you plan to keep people safe, the climate stable and nature protected. We commit to talking to our local Parliamentary candidates and sharing our ideas, our hopes and our frustrations. In turn, we want you to commit to doing everything you can to meet our national and international commitments to tackle climate change and protect and restore nature.

    Science tells us this is a make-or-break decade for the planet we live on. We are ready to be part of the change we need - are you?

FAQs

Who can sign the letter?

Local organisations and groups, for example, local branches of national organisations, community groups, cultural organisations, churches/mosques/synagogues, sports clubs, parents associations, youth groups, etc. The letter is not open for sign on as an individual, business or national organisation. You can find out more about why below. 

If you are wanting to take action but don’t fall into the category of local organisation or group, there will be other ways you can get involved in the coming year, so please do keep an eye out on our take action page, or sign up to our newsletter here!

Why just community groups?

We’re asking local groups and organisations all over the country to sign up to this letter. From your community gardening group to your local library to your neighbourhood repair cafe, each group that signs up represents people organising and acting for positive change in their own communities.

We’re focusing on local rather than national groups to show that people all over the country are committed to action and want politicians to do the same.

My group is a charity: can we sign?

The Climate Coalition is a charity and we do not support or oppose any political party. Climate change will affect us all, and we are calling on all political parties to take action. The letter is addressed to the leaders of all the political parties currently represented in Westminster. Our aim is to demonstrate to all politicians that support for action for climate and nature is widespread and mainstream. We’re confident that charitable organisations can sign this letter, if it’s in line with your charitable purposes.

When will the letter be sent?

The letter will be open for signatures until February 2024. We’ll be keeping you up to date with plans around sending the letter closer to the time. 

Do I have to sign online?

Yes, you have to sign the letter online. However, if you would like to print out a copy and discuss it with your local group/organisation before you sign on, you can download a copy of the letter here. 

Once you have decided as a group that you want to sign, one representative can fill out the form on behalf of the group. 

What if I don't know my constituency?

If you are unsure on which constituency your group represents, you can find out on 'theyworkforyou.com' by searching for your postcode or area. Find out your constituency here.