Zero Hour

🌍 This #EarthDay, we’ve launched our new film, “#TOADWATCH: What has nature ever done for us?” 💚 A huge thanks to the teams at Megaphone Creative and The Co-operative Bank plc for making this film possible—and for raising awareness of the urgent need to reverse nature’s destruction now. 👉 Now, take action with us at zerohour.uk—and let’s put nature on the road to recovery. #CANBill #RestoreNatureNow #EarthDay2024

Caroline Lucas, writing in The Guardian today: “Reeves’ #SpringStatement has sidelined the nature policies that Britain needs to build a more prosperous economy, and tackle the planetary crisis that is threatening our way of life. Days after Badenoch ditched #netzero, Labour is following suit, with growth trumping net zero, fast-tracked airports, faltering marine protections and the Climate and Nature Bill, backed by 192 MPs, kicked down the road. I first presented the #CANBill in 2020 to lock the UK’s climate and #biodiversity commitments into law. Labour backed its ambition in 2023, yet whips blocked it in January. The Bill could centre #nature’s importance across decision-making. Instead, billions have been found to prop up flawed #carboncapture technology, while the co-benefits of investing in #naturebasedsolutions—like reforestation, peatlands, wetlands and regenerative farming—are sidelined. The cuts to DEFRA, even with a boost to DESNZ, ignore the interconnections of #climate and nature plans—risking both. This siloed approach, mirrored in Labour’s cuts to #internationalaid and a pause to nature-friendly #farming payments, must end. The solution? To deliver the joined-up legislative framework we need to weave climate and nature across Labour’s cross-governmental missions. And that means making time to advance the CAN Bill.”

🗳️ Today, Friday 28 March, marks a crucial day for the campaign for public water: Clive Lewis’ Water Bill is being debated in the House of Commons. Will your MP attend the debate—and will you watch the debate live? 💧 #OurWaterOurWay: https://lnkd.in/efAHnjV6

📝 In today’s #SpringStatement, Rachel Reeves casts the UK's predicament as a “nature vs. growth” battle. That framing is utterly misleading. 1️⃣ #Nature actively combats climate chaos, yet the Government clings to a “bats vs. jobs” narrative. 2️⃣ Labour abruptly halted SFI and offered no follow-up. Yet #hedgerows and #agroforestry outperform costly #carboncapture schemes, while generating good jobs. And #farmers, pivotal to a greener future, received nothing: where’s the bold, environmental leadership? 3️⃣ Reeves’ #securonomics hinges on long-term stability—but it falters without nature—which supports half of global GDP.  The #netzero economy is expanding rapidly and creating jobs—yet #renewables remain stalled—undermining the Chancellor’s economic vision. 4️⃣ True prosperity doesn’t oppose nature—it depends on it. HM Treasury itself warns that neglecting nature harms GDP in the long run. Net zero homes could lower #energybills and spur employment, but meaningful investment is still yet to materialise. 5️⃣ The public values nature and dismisses divisive rhetoric, and Labour’s “build, baby, build” mantra could spark a backlash. RSPB’s membership alone surpasses all parties combined. Protecting nature wins votes, but Truss-like attacks risks losing them. 6️⃣ Nature and climate are (proven vote-winners) and the foundation of a liveable future—but today’s #SpringStatement fell short. Labour must now abandon this false nature-growth divide and commit to building a thriving #NatureRichUK.

📣 Mike Reader—Labour MP for Northampton South—on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill: “I have concerns about Part 3 of the Bill—the environmental delivery plans and nature restoration fund. In principle that solution is practical and will unlock delivery, but I ask the Minister whether Natural England will be given the resources and funding it needs to ensure that it does not become a new bottleneck in the planning system.”

📢 Ellie Chowns—the Green Party of England and Wales' MP for North Herefordshire—on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill: “We need clarification that development should be sustainable, benefiting future generations, as well as meeting today’s needs. We need joined-up policy—and a new climate and nature duty on all planning authorities to ensure that all policies tackle our #ClimateChange Act 2008 and #Environment Act 2021 obligations. Planning is crucial for tackling the #climatecrisis and reducing the environmental impact of new development.”

🌍 Steve Reed MP “wanted the #CANBill to proceed”. Ed Miliband promised to “set to work” on the Bill’s objectives—“including for legislation”—to “make a meaningful difference for climate and nature”. Mary Creagh MP has pledged to deliver “binding nature commitments”. 🚨 Labour Ministers are speaking out. ⏳ So, what’s the hold up for the new, joined-up, science-led climate and nature legislation we need?

⚖️ The Planning & Infrastructure Bill promises faster development, but Part III has experts worried, who see real risks to nature and the housing goals it targets. ❗️This needs serious attention from MPs at today’s Second Reading. https://lnkd.in/eAcg2Pj6 🌳 UK nature is seriously struggling: species have declined 20% since 1970, with 16% at risk of extinction. Part III could worsen this troubling trend—if MPs don’t act now. Infrastructure matters, but so does the natural world. 💷 Part III’s Environmental Delivery Plans let developers pay a levy for nature projects, but there’s no guarantee these will work—or even happen. This uncertainty could weaken environmental protections—and confuse builders—as we’ve briefed MPs. 🌎 Ecosystems do more than we often realise. Purifying water, storing carbon, supporting crops. Yet Part III barely connects to climate goals—despite land use driving 25% of emissions—and we’re concerned this gap will hold us back. 💷 For developers, Part III adds murky costs and potential delays—with little input from those affected.  Unlike the tested #BiodiversityNetGain, this feels rushed—and could trip up both housing and nature efforts. ❌ We urge MPs to pause Part III. With more time, assessments—and pilots—the Planning & Infrastructure Bill could become a win for people and nature. Moving too fast risks losing both.

Proud to produce this joint briefing on the Planning & Infrastructure Bill alongside Wildlife and Countryside Link We need all local authorities to have climate and strengthened nature duties to make sure decision we take today tackle the climate and nature crisis It is also fantastic to see Friends of the Earth, UK100, Wild Card, Zero Hour, South East Climate Alliance, Hampshire Climate Action Network, Climate Action Network West Midlands, Climate Action Leeds and Dorset Climate Action Network A strong show of support from the environmental sector and community! Richard Benwell, Victoria Marsom, Philip Glanville, Patrick Hargreaves

👏 🐸 Fantastic news that our film—Toadwatch—received Bronze in the Corporate Category at the Smiley Charity Film Awards! 💚 A huge thanks to Proper Good Films and The Co-operative Bank plc for making this possible—and raising awareness for the urgent need to reverse nature’s destruction now. 🎥 Watch our film here: https://lnkd.in/dyj7raUz #RestoreNatureNow #CANBill