Thanks Rachel,

By way of follow up (Nationally) you can watch a short film from the day, plus her

The Climate Coalition (TCC) have launched their Declaration for a healthy, greener, fairer tomorrow. Additionally as I'm sure many are aware, on Wednesday, 8July, Rishi Sunak is due to make a speech regarding the UKs plans to recover from the current crisis. So well see if government is listening!

Two areas Simon seemed interested in were 1) trade deals in line with current UK environmental and animal welfare standards and 2) nature friendly farming, though our visions of the latter may differ somewhat as he clearly aligns with the NFU. Nevertheless, trade deals are a key issue at the moment, and the Ag Bill shows some promise.

And just a plea - anyone who likes Shaftesbury high street being pedestrian friendly at the moment please write and tell Simon Hoare or the Council - he's had lots of complaints.

Here is what I sent to SH re the mass lobby by way of follow up:

Dear Simon, 

Thank you for meeting us to hear our views on the potential for "bring back better" / a green recovery.

I'm responding off the back of Colin's email, he clearly has a history of engaging with you and others and raises some important points, and I think it is important to maintain transparency among those engaged in our recent discussion.

My takeaways from the conversation are as follows, with specific asks of you as my MP that I look forward to hearing your response to:

1) You clearly understand the urgency of the climate emergency. Will you support the Climate Coalition's call for a fair and green recovery by 1) signing their declaration and 2) writing to the PM to explain that your constituents are in support of this. All the information you need to do this can be found here. 

2) Your interest in good trade deals that meet or excel current UK standards for food and farming are welcomed. Clearly you support the NFU in their call for this and also the positive aspects of the Agriculture Bill, particularly the concept of "public money for public goods". However, there is also a need to address western diets specifically to reduce the consumption of animal protein, in order to fairly feed a growing global population, keep warming to 1.5% and restore biodiversity. What action will you take in this space? How can you help with a radical rethink of how we farm in Dorset and the wider region?

3) The Environment Bill is another potentially good piece of legislation addressing the need to restore nature in England. Yet it has stalled in its Parliamentary process. What action will you take to ensure this Bill receives the necessary time in Parliament to enable its progression to Royal Assent as a matter of priority?

Thank you for your time and I look forward to your response to my questions.

Lucy Young

(SP78HJ)

I wrote to Simon Hoare by snail mail after the lobby. My one ask was that he would mention the green recovery on his website and/or Facebook page.

I can't find any mention so far.

Thank you Rachel for getting us going on the Forum.

Rachel says we could include lobbying as a Project on this website. I think that would be a good idea. Any thoughts anyone?

I've just written to Simon Hoare - the focus was on the green recovery (Build Back Better) - and making reference to the possible work at Dinah's Hollow highlighted in another Forum Post. I used email but wonder if snail mail gets a different quality of attention? I'll report back when I hear from him.

SH reply came very quickly. He assured me that he does and will review proposals that are brought forward so that they will be tweaked or abandoned if environmental harm is at an unacceptable level. He expressed his support for Dorset Council's plans for Dinah's Hollow - on grounds of operational safety.