Brian McClelland, a member of Climate Action East Linton & Repair Cafe East Linton, has compiled the following information to highlight the significance of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill and the key points to include when we write to our MPs (deadline 18th January):
"This Bill, led by Lord Bird and Caroline Lucas, comes to parliament for its second reading on January 22nd. It is immensely relevant to what we are all striving to do.
It will require the UK Government to plan long term to prevent the climate crisis, poverty and pandemics and not just deal in emergencies; to give current and future generations a voice in decision-making, and protect them from global threats, and to deliver a new, sustainable vision for the nation that prioritises our environmental, social, economic and cultural well-being.
I've extracted one page of key points from the 34 Pages of the bill. These notes are at the foot of this letter and there's an excellent webinar about the bill on https://www.parentsforfuture.org.uk/
The Bill draws on features of the Welsh Government's Wellbeing of Future Generations Act and the Scottish Government's National Performance Framework.
There is an opportunity, before January 22nd, to make contact with our Westminster MP, Kenny MacAskill to encourage him to support this bill and join the All Party Parliamentary Group for Future Generations. And of course, if you know anyone else who may be able to influence Parliament's consideration of the bill, it would be great if you could contact them too.
Please write to your MP to ask him to support the Bill
I've attached a note of headings you might want to use.
If you don't have time to compose a letter, you can go to: https://todayfortomorrow.org.uk/
Just open the above link and press the “Act Now” button, then take a couple of minutes to fill in your name and postcode. The site generates and sends a good letter specifically drafted for MPs.
The email address for Kenny MacAskill can be found here.
Summary of the Wellbeing of Future Generations (No.2) Bill
To make provision for requiring public bodies to act in pursuit of the United Kingdom’s environmental, social, economic and cultural wellbeing by meeting wellbeing objectives; publishing future generations impact assessments; accounting for preventative spending; and through public services contracts.
To require companies to consider the impact of their activities on the United Kingdom’s wellbeing.
To act in accordance with the Future generations principal, that is, to ensure that the present needs of the public are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
The Bill aims to promote:
An innovative, productive and low-carbon society which recognises the limits of the global environment and uses resources efficiently and proportionately including acting on climate change and preventing poverty; and which develops a skilled and well-educated population to take advantage of the wealth generated through securing decent work.
A society which maintains and enhances a biodiverse natural environment with healthy functioning ecosystems that support social, economic and ecological resilience and the capacity to adapt to change, including climate change.
A society in which people’s physical and mental wellbeing is maximised and in which choices and behaviours that benefit future health are understood and maximised.
A society that enables people to fulfil their potential and to have equal access to opportunities, no matter what their background or circumstances. A society which, when acting to improve the economic, social, environmental and cultural wellbeing of the United Kingdom, takes account of whether its actions or intentions make a positive contribution to global wellbeing.
The Bill requires the Government to:
Take advice of the UK Committee on Climate Change and the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Take account, through surveys etc, of the views of primary and secondary school children and students in higher or further education.
Publish an annual Treasury report on how it intends to promote the future generation principle.
Set up a joint Parliamentary Committee for future generations principle
Appoint a Future Generations Commissioner.
Require companies to consider the impact of their activities on UK well being.
Some suggestions for a letter to your MP:
Use a short memorable heading; for example: "A planet fit for our grandchildren"?
If you know a young person (or young people) who would allow you to report their worries about the future, or write a letter themselves, I think these would be the most powerful voices. After all, the Bill is about Future Generations.
Explain your own worries about what the future holds for your children or grandchildren, write about these.
Explain who you are, where you live and you particular interests and concerns about the future of our planet and all its occupants.
Ask your MP to support the Bill and if possible to join the All Party Parliamentary Group for Future Generations.
Keep it short!"