The local Lib Dems and I have backed a letter sent to the COP26 climate change summit signed by hundreds of local Councillors across the country calling on more power for local government to tackle climate change.

What the country has faced during the covid pandemic will pale in comparison to the economic and social impacts of climate breakdown if we do not take action immediately. The latest UK Climate Risk Assessment concluded that the UK is woefully underprepared for the impacts of climate change that will hit the country.

The UK’s net zero targets can only be achieved if Government and local authorities work seamlessly together. More than half of the emissions cuts needed rely on people and businesses taking up low-carbon solutions – solutions around buildings, energy and transport – decisions that are made at a local and individual level.

With 9 out of 10 local authorities having declared a climate emergency – including Surrey County Council and Woking Borough Council – full support from the Prime Minister and his Government is needed to make sure local ambitions become a reality.

The UK cannot meet net zero without local authorities. Councils have influence over a third of the UK’s carbon emissions. We need to be able to work together with Central Government on this, that is why hundreds of Lib Dem Councillors across the country and all of my Surrey Lib Dem colleagues have signed this letter calling on the Prime Minister to take action.