This week, the Prime Minister is attending COP 30 (the 30th annual United Nations climate conference) to make the case for global action on climate change and clean energy. He’s fighting to put lower energy bills and better lives for people today on the agenda, while also protecting future generations. 

Meanwhile, Reform and the Tories are arguing with scientists, with representatives from the former on the record saying that man-made climate change is some sort of hoax and the latter seeking to water down our commitments to tackling it.  

They’re also out of touch with most of the public – 68% of us understand that the climate is changing as a result of human activity. 

Our seasons are becoming more difficult to differentiate, and the weather itself more volatile. Floods are increasingly frequent across the North West and new records are repeatedly being set for higher temperatures.  

If you went out for Bonfire Night last week, you might have noticed that extra layer wasn’t needed. According to the Met Office, it was the warmest on record for many parts of the UK.  

Perhaps most worryingly in the UK, air pollution is predicted to cause the death of 30,000 people this year, particularly affecting those in deprived areas. 

I see the irony in our government, and others, travelling thousands of miles and adding to those greenhouse gas emissions just to participate in a summit lasting 11 days.  

If Mr Miliband could dial into COP remotely and ensure that level of attendance had the same impact, I’m sure he would. But the stakes in this case are too high. We’re making good progress in the UK, but without collaboration with our allies and negotiation with other countries, we won’t be able to solve the climate crisis.  

We can’t stop climate change through individual reductions in emissions. We need the public and private sectors to work together and lead the charge. Though we’re worlds apart, we have to reach every single country attending COP 30 with that message – and even, if not especially, the notable absentees. 

Across the UK, we’re embarking on the biggest programme of investment in clean power in British history, which has seen over £50bn of private investment in clean energy since July 2024, and our mission for clean power will create 400,000 new jobs by 2030.  

The government is also making it cheaper to buy electric vehicles, with grants of up to £3,750 available for drivers looking to make the switch. Having made the move myself earlier this year, the quality of our electric cars is truly impressive. 

In Crewe & Nantwich, I’ve been blown away by some of the sustainability efforts of our local schools and hospitals, like Leighton Hospital, which has taken full advantage of the government scheme to install solar panels on top of their buildings, generating renewable energy. 

Or take Sir William Stanier, which now boasts a rooftop allotment where they educate students on homegrown produce and a small pond, which hosts local wildlife. 

Many of our small businesses are doing their part. Big Mugs Cafe – my office nextdoor neighbour – gets all their furniture second hand from the St Paul’s Centre and sources their fresh produce from other environmentally conscious traders. 

We’re also lucky to have groups like Sustainable Nantwich and Cheshire Wildlife Trust that support our local area. I’ve met with representatives from both organisations multiple times and have seen how they’re starting to transform areas like Brookfield Park and the banks of the River Weaver. 

COP 30 is about making these local efforts worthwhile. It’s about getting other countries and private companies to follow the example of community leaders, like those I’ve mentioned above.