Tackling the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis is one of my top priorities as Bristol West MP and as Shadow Housing Secretary. Housing contributes 14% of our carbon emissions, so we need low/zero carbon housing if we are to reach net-zero

That’s why I challenge the government to cut carbon emissions from the homes we have and ensure new homes are low or zero carbon. These measures make homes warmer, safer, better and healthier. The work creates decent jobs. It makes good economic and environmental sense.

This is a crucial year as the UK hosts the COP26 climate summit. Whatever we do – or don’t do – as a country will have a massive influence on the future course of the world when it comes to the climate and biodiversity emergency and life on this planet.

As I’ve said and demonstrated in my work as Bristol West’s MP, I strongly support the aims of the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill. I’ve embedded these ideas in my work with Labour’s environment and climate team, both as constituency MP and Shadow Housing Secretary.

Unfortunately the CEE Bill was never going to be debated and will fall shortly when the Parliamentary session ends. However, it’s the action which matters and the change we need. That’s where my focus lies.

Over this important year I will be gathering the views of the 142,000+ people I represent, talking about how they want to halt the climate emergency. I plan to take this to the government to inform their work at COP26. I hope you will all get involved!

Keep an eye on my social media over the coming weeks for more about how you can get involved, reverse the decline in nature and protect our beautiful planet.