Havant groups join forces to deliver letter to MP Alan Mak calling for government to Build Back Better
CAMPAIGNERS calling for a sustainable coronavirus recovery plan are set to deliver their demands to an MP.
Aiming to address inequality, economic and social injustice, members of Havant Borough Build Back Better are gathering signatures for a letter to Alan Mak which sets out a list of demands to rebuild society ‘for the better’.
Led by Bedhampton resident Margaret Lockyer, the Havant branch of the national campaign Green New Deal includes members of groups including Havant Climate Alliance, Havant Fairtrade and Cycle Hayling.
These groups will join forces to hand-deliver the letter to Havant MP Mr Mak’s office on Thursday. Similar organisations are replicating the move across the country.
Margaret said: ‘I thought this is something really important because we have got Covid and things are changing and we do need to think about moving forward.
‘It’s a really good time to put in place some of these fundamental changes that are needed.
‘It would be really good to get as many people on board recognising that. We have got 10 years left to try and contain the climate emergency. We know we can’t keep taking resources from the earth and putting the waste into the sea.
‘I have got seven grandchildren and I want the world they will be adults in to still exist in a fair and sustainable way.’
Proposals set out in the letter include continuing the furlough scheme, investing in a mass job creation Green New Deal programme, proper funding for the NHS and social care and improving working conditions and pay for key workers.
Alan Mak, who will not be receiving the letter in person, said: ‘The government is committed to a green recovery led by a new task force headed by the business secretary with new funding to take action from decarbonisation of industry to creating green jobs.
‘Havant Borough Council’s appointment of a councillor to lead the work locally is also welcome.
‘Police advice to MPs is not to accept hand-delivered letters or packages, but they can be sent to parliament where they'll be security screened off-site – or email is quicker and greener.’
For more information about Build Back Better, or to read the letter in full visit havantclimatealliance.wordpress.com/build-back-better