COLUMN by South Cotswolds MP Dr Roz Savage

This week’s column is different from usual.

If all goes according to plan, on the day you read this, I will announce my Private Members’ Bill, ahead of its first reading in the House of Commons on 16th October. 

So, I’d like to take this opportunity to give you the inside story. 

Just over a month ago, on 5th September, rather like the National Lottery or FA Cup draw, a white-gloved Deputy Speaker drew 20 numbered balls out of a glass bowl. 

This was to decide which MPs would get the opportunity to try to make a new law.

My number was 396 and was the third one drawn, behind Kim Leadbeater, younger sister of the murdered MP Jo Cox, and Max Wilkinson, new Lib Dem MP for Cheltenham.

Many MPs go through an entire career without being drawn in the ballot, so I feel incredibly fortunate, and determined to make the most of this chance to potentially get something significant changed.

The ballot result was barely announced when my email inbox exploded with hundreds of constituents, campaigners, and organisations, all wanting me to support their cause. I wish I could have taken on all of them, but I had to pick just one.

Fortunately, one issue far outnumbered all others and was in perfect alignment with my own heart, and with the future wellbeing of the beautiful South Cotswolds.

I have been an environmental campaigner for the last twenty years.

This included rowing solo across three oceans, to raise awareness of the growing ecological crisis.

My determination to advocate for a more sustainable future was a significant factor in my decision to stand for Parliament. Now that I am an MP, I want to do everything I can to get to the root causes of the intertwined climate and nature crises.

So it will come as no surprise that my choice is the Climate and Nature Bill (CAN).

The Bill has the potential to make the UK a world leader in tackling the climate and nature crisis, delivering a comprehensive, joined-up plan that is (finally) aligned with what the science says is necessary.

It can pave the way for a truly fair transition, while ensuring that citizens have a real say in the way forward.

I’m excited about this chance to champion our natural environment in Parliament, and to build backing from MPs of all parties for this vital change.

The CAN plan had lots of MP support in the last Parliament but did not progress. But because I’ve topped the Private Members’ Bill ballot, we finally have a chance to get the CAN Bill into law.