2 weeks ago
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Activists are urging British MPs to disassociate from the fossil fuel sector in a pivotal election year, pushing for cleaner political practices.
Phoebe Cooke reports for DeSmog.
In short:
- A new campaign, "Stop Polluting Politics," launched on Westminster Bridge, demands MPs to reject fossil fuel influence and donations.
- The campaign criticizes the UK's Conservative Party for weakening climate commitments and continuing to accept substantial donations from polluters.
- Ajaya Haikerwal, a spokesperson for Climate Resistance, emphasizes the conflict of interest in politicians accepting money from oil and gas lobbyists, impacting policy decisions.
Key quote:
"It’s frankly outrageous that in 2024, oil and gas lobbyists can quite freely cosy up to politicians, hand them fat stacks of cash, and see a favourable change in policy."
— Ajaya Haikerwal, spokesperson for Climate Resistance
Why this matters:
Activists view politicians' associations with fossil fuel companies as contradictory to addressing climate change effectively. Such relationships can lead to policies and decisions that prioritize the interests of these corporations over those of the public and the environment. Activists argue that politicians should represent the needs and concerns of their constituents rather than catering to the profit motives of fossil fuel companies.
