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Press Release for Melksham and Devizes Climate and Nature Hustings

Update - 29th June 2024

For those not using Facebook, additional recording to watch on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/AlyV1nwOvNA?si=uXeqRD_hj4KZ9mD8


Update - 27th June 2024

The majority of candidates and almost 80 members of the public attended our hustings last night at Spencer Sports and Social Club. A very useful evening. Recording of hustings at ((here))




PRESS RELEASE

* Climate and Nature Hustings - Melksham and Devizes - 26th June 2024, from 6 p.m
* Taking Place at Spencer Sports and Social Club, Beanacre Road, Melksham SN12 8AG
* All candidates have engaged. Majority attending, with additional statements too
* Entry free and no need to book

* Organised by Climate and Nature groups from across the constituency
* More details at: https://www.melkshamenvironmentgroup.org.uk/hustings.html
* Contact hustings@melkshamenvironmentgroup.org.uk

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Hustings help you decide which Party and election candidate will do most for Our Planet. The nature and climate crisis will be in focus on Wednesday 26th June as local candidates of the 5 main political parties are invited to set out how they will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reach net zero, recover nature and create healthier spaces.

The ‘in person’ hustings will take place at Spencer’s Sports and Social Club, Melksham SN12 8AG from 6 to 8 pm. The debate comes as 71% of adults in the UK say not enough is being done to protect the environment for future generations.

Climate and nature groups across the new Melksham and Devizes constituency (*) have come together to organise this unique opportunity for voters to compare parties’ plans to achieve or improve on legally binding targets on both climate and nature.

“Our children and grandchildren need a sustainable planet and we must act now to protect our environment" says Graham Ellis, chair of the organising group. "People are fed up with hearing about river pollution, wildlife declines, floods and drought, and with facing unaffordable heating bills. We shall reveal whether the politicians wanting to form the next UK Government have the ambition, commitment and plans necessary to deliver the enormous change needed.”


The plan is for each candidate in turn to present a two-minute statement covering climate and nature policies. The majority of candidates have confirmed they are attending but statements from all parties will be accepted should any chairs be left empty. Each candidate will then address several broad climate and nature questions (which the organising group is formulating) and finally, questions will be invited from the floor, with the chair ensuring no undue focus on one issue.

There is no charge for entry to the hustings, and no need to book, though contributions to hall hire costs will be invited. Geoff Hammond, Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath has kindly agreed to chair.



(*) Bradford on Avon, Calne (for Calne S), Colerne, Devizes, The Lavingtons, Melksham and Urchfont.

Contact us for further information:
hustings@melkshamenvironmentgroup.org.uk
More details at: https://www.melkshamenvironmentgroup.org.uk/hustings.html
https://www.facebook.com/groups/melkshamenvironmentgroup

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