Mendip District Council has recently joined 190 other councils by passing a motion expressing its support for the Climate and Ecology Bill (CE Bill). The CE Bill is calling for a new law that addresses the full extent of the climate and nature crisis, in line with the most up to date science.

The Bill is the only proposed legislation before the UK parliament that ensures a comprehensive and joined up approach to the emergency. The CE Bill has the support of 120 MPs from across all political parties, and on 25 May 2022 it started its journey through the House of Lords.

The Bill's sponsor Lord Redesdale, said: "It's a privilege to be steering the all-party backed CE Bill through the Lords. Climate change and biodiversity loss are the defining issues of our time and the UK government just isn't doing enough." Mendip is also demonstrating the Council's support for the CE Bill by committing to write to the campaign organisers, as well as to our two local MPs, asking them to support the Bill. The motion ensures the Council continues to deliver on its Climate Emergency declaration through actions and pledges, and commits that these will be embedded into the new unitary council for Somerset.

Cllr Tom Ronan, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, said: "Passing this motion at Full Council further demonstrate Mendip's commitment to tackling the climate emergency. "It shows our dedication to the cause and that we understand that the CE Bill is a momentous opportunity to hold the Government to account for its decisions.

"For example, decisions like the 'super deduction' that was recently announced by the Government which will '… reward those companies who invest in oil and gas', rather than investment in renewables, not fossil fuels. "Holding the Government and the Council accountable is so important, which is why this motion has been adopted by Mendip District Council." Learn about the CE bill here: https://www.ceebill.uk/.