On Wednesday 15th December: Climate activists dressed as Christmas puddings will march on Westminster to hold Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government to account on the pledges made at COP26. Boris Johnson spoke some strong words about climate change at the Glasgow summit. Now, it’s time for the government to deliver and strengthen the promises made at the conference. Because when it comes to climate action, the proof is in the pudding.
Photocall: Campaigners dressed as giant Christmas puddings will gather on Parliament Square at 11:00 for photos. There will be an opportunity to interview spokespeople on the campaign’s demands.
The UK holds the role of COP president through to COP27 in 2022 and it’s vital that the government uses the remaining UK COP presidency to deliver concrete climate action and justice. Boris Johnson can still secure a lasting and meaningful legacy from the Glasgow talks if he ensures that countries stick to and strengthen the pledges they made at COP26.
The pudding protesters are part of a movement of people calling for action on climate change, demanding justice for the world’s most climate vulnerable communities.
The Christmas pudding action is backed by over 50,000 supporters who have signed a giant 3-metre Christmas card for Boris Johnson, calling for greater climate ambition.
They are calling on the Prime Minister to:
- Ensure countries deliver stronger national plans to keep 1.5°C alive
- Secure more ambitious climate finance commitments
- Press for finance for climate-related loss and damage
- Lead on drawing the fossil fuel era to a close and a just transition to renewables.
Patrick Watt, Policy and Campaigns Director at Christian Aid, said:
“COP26 generated a lot of pledges. But those living on the frontline of the climate crisis now need to see pledges turned into real action.
50,000 people from churches across the UK and from all walks of life agree. Today they are letting the Prime Minister know that when it comes to promises made in Glasgow, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Christmas is a time of hope. We call on the Prime Minister to heed these messages from the British public, and by meeting the government’s promises give hope to those hit hardest by climate change.”
Dr Ruth Valerio, Director of Advocacy and Influencing at Tearfund, said:
“The pledges made at COP26 gave some hope for a future below 2C but right now these are just words. If the Prime Minister wants a lasting legacy from the Glasgow Summit then the UK government needs to keep pushing countries around the world to deliver on their promises and strengthen their climate plans. The UK has a responsibility to make sure that words are turned into action and, along with 50,000 people from around the country, we’ll continue to hold the Prime Minister to account. Because when it comes to real climate action, the proof is in the pudding.”
Tim Cole, Europe Executive Director for ONE, said:
“The climate crisis is already having a devastating impact on people and communities in low-income countries, particularly many in Africa. We in the UK are not yet doing enough to support them so we have come to Westminster to make our voices heard and let MPs know just how important it is to tackle these issues. 2022 has to be the year of climate justice.”
The campaign is organised by Tearfund, Christian Aid, The One Campaign, and The Climate Coalition.
ENDS
For further information or interview requests call Sam Perriman on +44 (0) 7783 770486 or for out of hours media enquiries please call +44 (0) 7929 339813.
Tearfund is a Christian charity that partners with churches in more than 50 of the world’s poorest countries. We tackle poverty through sustainable development, responding to disasters and challenging injustice. We believe an end to extreme poverty is possible. Tearfund is also a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee. For more information about the work of Tearfund, please visit www.tearfund.org
Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. Poverty is an outrage against humanity. It robs people of their dignity and lets injustice thrive. But together we have the power to transform lives. www.christianaid.org.uk
ONE is a global movement campaigning to end extreme poverty and preventable disease by 2030, so that everyone, everywhere can lead a life of dignity and opportunity. We believe the fight against poverty isn’t about charity, but about justice and equality. Whether lobbying political leaders in world capitals or running cutting-edge grassroots campaigns, ONE pressures governments to do more to fight extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa, and empowers citizens to hold their governments to account. www.one.org
