I back the Climate Change Emergency declared by the Liberal Democrats in Mole Valley.

I have campaigned tirelessly in the fight against sewage dumping in the Rivers Mole and Hogsmill.

Whilst recognising the need for more low-cost and social housing in our area, I condemn this government’s lack of national planning policy that still threatens our precious Green Belt.

Under-investment in our sewage plants led to around 6,000 hours of foul discharge in our rivers in 2022 – that’s the price we have paid for years of excessive dividend payments to shareholders.

Instead of policies to support electric cars, we see minimal investment in the national network to power them. Instead of plans for upgrading our homes, we see ill thought through policies.

Instead of long term plans for extending wind farms in the North Sea, the Government is now struggling to find anyone to build them.

We need far-sighted leadership like we saw in 2014 when Energy Secretary, and now Lib Dem leader, Ed Davey helped to quadruple the UK’s renewable power and make it the world leader in offshore wind – creating good jobs across the country, tackling climate change and bringing down people’s energy bills. Sadly, his record was not matched by subsequent Tory governments.

Long term policy is what we need and this is what I and my fellow Lib Dems will deliver to ensure people of this country are in a better place than they are today.