BANNERS have appeared across Bolton as part of a day of national action urging MPs to wake up to the threat posed by climate change.

Volunteers from the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill Bolton group took part in covid-compliant banner drops today calling on local MPs to back the bill.

Banners were dropped in a variety of places across Bolton, including Rivington, where moorland fire spread during soaring temperature.

Banner drop in Bolton calling for action

Banner drop in Bolton calling for action

A number of concerned local residents supported the banner drop and read out personal messages.

Wendy Maycraft, from the group, said: "We’re taking this action today to tell Bolton MPs that we need stronger environmental action. The Government’s current target of net zero emissions by 2050 gives us little over a 50/50 chance of limiting a critical rise in global temperature - and this is if the whole world does the same! These are terrible odds. And yet they are not even on course to reach that inadequate target."

She added: ‘We need to ensure a cleaner, greener recovery from Covid-19; we must protect the planet for our children and grandchildren.’

Today marks the date the CEE Bill (1) was due its second reading in the House of Commons. Caroline Lucas MP presented the Bill in Parliament on September 2 2020.

The CEE Bill was scheduled for debate in the House of Commons on Friday 26 March, but the pandemic impacted parliamentary process postponing the second reading.

The Bill is currently waiting for a new date to be set.

Banner drop in Bolton calling for action

Banner drop in Bolton calling for action

But, says the group, whatever happens, the CEE Bill "will have a very low chance of progressing in this Parliament due to the sheer volume of private members’ bills lined up, further delaying the urgent action that’s required to tackle the climate and nature emergencies".

The Bill calls on the Government to take account of the UK's entire carbon footprint, to protect nature in the UK and to prevent ecological damage along supply chains.

Wendy concluded: "We are inviting Bolton MPs to have a discussion with their constituents about the CEE Bill – we all feel incredibly passionate about this issue and welcome a forum to discuss our concerns.”