In the largest-ever environmental lobby of parliament, people from across the UK were represented, with 307 MPs meeting with their constituents.

MPs were taken by rickshaw to meet constituents in the area surrounding the Palace of Westminster. At 14:00 lobbyists rang alarms and alarm clocks to symbolise that ‘the time is now to act’. They urged their MPs to pass ambitious new laws that create a healthier environment for people and wildlife, and to support measures that end the UK’s contribution to climate change by 2045.

The day also saw leaders from different faith communities, including former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, gather for a ‘Walk of Witness’ from Trafalgar Square down Whitehall. 

‘The Time is Now’ lobby was organised by The Climate Coalition and Greener UK, two coalitions combining more than 130 organisations and representing over 15 million people – ranging from aid agencies CAFOD, Christian Aid and Islamic Relief to community groups including the Women’s Institute and environmental organisations such as The Wildlife Trusts and RSPB. It follows global environmental protests, and the declaration of a climate and environment emergency by the UK parliament. 

Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts, Stephanie Hilborne OBE says:
“It’s powerful to see twelve thousand people from all over the UK and all walks of life come to wake-up Westminster. They have made it clear that now is the time for a real change of direction. Rapid action is needed to rescue our climate and our wildlife. With over 200 MPs meeting their constituents we hope the message on the need to take immediate action has been heard loud and clear.”