MP’s friendly connection at Bradford on Avon

As well as Climate Friendly Bradford, representatives from climate friendly groups in Chippenham, Corsham and Melksham, also met the MP over the weekend.

The event was part of the nationwide Big Climate Connection campaign which saw hundreds of local people lobbying their MP across the country.

Bradford Group secretary Rowena Quantrill was pleased Mr Hames backed their requests for strong measures to be included in the forthcoming energy bill and for the UK to take a lead in the climate talks at Cancun, Mexico, next month.

She said: “We’re very keen that there should be more support for the developing countries that are already suffering the effects of climate change.

“We want Chris Huhne to take the lead and put pressure to introduce levies on air flights and shipping which could then be put back into the developing world. These type of measures need to be introduced internationally.

“Hopefully we can make some pledges that will make a real difference.”

Mr Hames has had a proposal accepted for a two-hour debate for Parliament on November 18, enabling new MPs to have the opportunity to contribute to setting the agenda for the Cancun talks.

He also agreed to write to Chris Huhne, the minister for energy and climate change, to represent his constituents’ views.

Mr Hames said: “I was delighted to meet with passionate activists from across the Chippenham constituency and discuss everything from fuel poverty through to the creation of a global climate fund.

“Climate change and sustainable living are both issues which I am determined to make progress on in Parliament We need to learn lessons from the frankly disappointing result of last year's summit in Copenhagen.

“During this year's negotiations in Cancun, I’d like to see governments getting back on track on climate finance, ensuring that the funds which help developing countries adapt to the effects of climate change are additional to the aid budget.”