GROUPS of environmental campaigners called on Bournemouth and Poole MPs to take actions on tackling climate change.

Several groups including East Dorset Friends of the Earth, Zero Carbon Dorset and Dorset Wildlife Trust attended the meeting on October 12 along with BCP councillors.

MPs Jessica Toale for Bournemouth West, Tom Hayes for Bournemouth East, Neil Duncan-Jordan for Poole and Vikki Slade for Mid Dorset and North Poole all appeared at the meeting held at  Durley Chine’s Environmental Hub.

Mark Chivers from Zero Carbon Dorset presented data and information on the climate emergency, adding that the “need for climate change remains urgent”.

“If there is hope it lies in the people,” said Mark.

A ‘statement of collections asks to BCP MPs was then handed over, which called on them to support a number of campaigns including the proposed climate and nature bill.

They also asked the MPs to call on the government to roll out a climate and nature crises public information programme and eradicate fossil fuel industry donations.

Neil Duncan-Jordan said he was supportive of the groups’ aims and that protecting the environment was part of his election campaign.

Vikki Slade said two bills are expected to be brought to parliament on November 29 and that she is cancelling other engagements to ensure she is there.

She added that she is optimistic for the future.

Jessica Toale said she enjoyed seeing “so many people” at the meeting, and that campaigns are likely to be successful when people come together with a clear vision.

“It is so nice to see so many people, campaigns are successful when you get people together with clear vision.”

 “I am with you,” said Jessica.

“This is a really important issue for me.”

She added: “We have so much natural beauty here to protect and reserve.”

Tom Hayes said the topic was one he cared a lot about and has lobbied the government to disinvest fossil fuels.

“The people I visit who have done so little to contribute to the crisis feel the burden because we have failed to act.”

MP for Christchurch, Sir Christopher Chope was invited to the meeting but was unable to attend due to a prior constituency engagement.