news story

11th September 2007

MP Joins Climate March through South Gloucestershire

Steve Webb with the marchers as they enter South Gloucestershire at Aust

Northavon MP Steve Webb today (Tuesday 11th) joined climate change campaigners along part of their 1,000 mile 'carbon march' through Britain.

The march has been organised by Christian Aid to raise awareness of the urgent need to tackle climate change, and the marchers were ten people from the UK and ten from overseas, including several from different parts of Africa where the effects of climate change are already being felt.

Steve Webb joined the group as they crossed the Severn Bridge into South Gloucestershire and walked with them along the Severn Way to Oldbury-on-Severn where the marchers visited the village primary school. The march began in July and will take in the Labour party conference in Bournemouth the week after next before finishing in central London in early October.

Commenting on the day's events, Steve Webb said:

"It was a pleasure and a privilege to join with the campaigners on this vital issue. Talking to those who had come from different parts of the world, they made it clear that climate change is not some vague future possibility but is a current reality for many millions of people.

"Every one of us has the opportunity to make a difference by reducing our 'carbon footprint', and even small changes in our lifestyle or habits can make a big difference if we all do our part. I know that many local people share my concerns about these issues so it is especially welcome that the campaign route took in South Gloucestershire".