TWELVE local residents were personally invited to the Houses of Parliament for a meeting on climate change by West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox.

The residents, of all ages, had travelled to London to take part in the #TheTimeIsNow lobby last Wednesday (June 26) to raise awareness about climate change.

During their visit Mr Cox welcomed the residents and said it was a ‘delight to meet such a committed and articulate group of constituents here for the #TheTimeIsNow parliamentary lobby’.

Parliament has declared an environment and climate emergency and earlier this week the House of Commons approved the Government’s target to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

Following the discussion, Mr Cox said: ‘I was delighted to welcome constituents to Parliament and I was particularly keen to understand from them the full nature of their concerns.

‘I am proud of the Government’s record in this field.

‘These include: Phasing out coal power, leading to two full weeks without burning any coal — the longest time since the Industrial Revolution; supporting renewable technologies, securing the future of clean energy in the UK; creating almost 400,000 of low carbon jobs, growing our economy while reducing emissions; reducing greenhouse gases by a quarter since coming to office in 2010; increasing renewable electricity generation six-fold under the Conservatives; reducing emissions faster than any other G20 country.

‘However, I agree that there is a need to drive forward changes with even greater urgency and I hope that the UK will be hosting the 2020 UN climate change summit.

‘I congratulate all my constituents who have taken the trouble to come to London today or who have written to me about this crucial issue.’