More than 300 Christmas cards will be delivered to Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie on Friday to demand government action on fuel poverty and the climate crisis.
The cards, many of which have been beautifully coloured in by children will carry personalised messages that highlight a growing concern in the community about rising energy prices and the negative impact of fossil fuels on the climate. Residents are calling on the government to take immediate action by providing emergency support to those in need, insulating homes and businesses, transitioning away from all fossil fuels and investing in expanding the UK’s renewable energy industry.
The Christmas cards were personalised and signed by people visiting a Warm This Winter event in Stroud, and by children and parents from local schools.
The free event was held at Lansdown Gallery earlier this month by local climate action group, Parents For Future. It was one of many Warm This Winter events held across the country in response to the millions of people facing fuel poverty this winter and beyond.
The busy event also included a warm clothing share, free soups from Tomari-G, refreshments and cakes; children’s Christmas crafts; a discussion about the Warm This Winter campaign, Parents For Future, and renewables.
Jo Woolfall, Co-Founder of Parents For Future Stroud said: “The 300 messages demonstrates that there’s a strong feeling in the community of wanting our elected representatives to influence positive change. The recent news of the government backing a new coal mine shows how far away political will is from where we need it to be. The time to act on the interconnected issues of fuel poverty and climate breakdown is now. All we want for Christmas is green energy, and (sane and courageous) decision-making, supporting all life on earth! “
The next Parents For Future Stroud meeting is at 6pm-7.30pm on Thursday 19th January at the Stroud Brewery and everyone is invited.
It is a friendly and supportive group for people to share climate concerns and ideas, and coordinate local actions. The group has regular online and in-person meetings and aspires to include everyone (including non-parents) who would like to join the conversation.
