Leading candidates to be London’s next Mayor are set to face each other in a virtual event about key nature and climate issues in the capital, and the impact on health, wealth and travel for Londoners.
The Mayoral Environment Debate, will be chaired by TV presenter and nature enthusiast Julia Bradbury, and will take place online between 7-9pm on Monday 12 April ahead of the elections on 6 May. The event is being organised by environment groups within the ‘More Natural Capital Coalition’ and sustainable travel groups including:, CPRE London, the Woodland Trust, London Wildlife Trust, RSPB, London Living Streets, London National Park City, and Wildlife and Countryside Link.
Candidates from the five parties that received the most votes in the last Mayoral election in 2016 have been invited to speak. Sian Berry (Green), Peter Gammons (UKIP) & Luisa Porritt (Lib Dem) have all confirmed their participation in the debate. Attendance from Shaun Bailey (Conservative) and Sadiq Khan (Labour), or their representatives, is also expected.
Neil Sinden, convenor of the More Natural Capital Coalition and Director of CPRE London, said: “Our interlinked nature, climate and public health crises must be at the top of the agenda for the next Mayor of London. Nature has become even more important to Londoners during successive lockdowns in the pandemic. Yet lockdown has also starkly highlighted the inequalities in access to green space, and the health benefits this brings, across the capital.
“This debate will allow the public hear from the candidates on the environmental issues that matter to them. It is a landmark moment in ensuring that the next Mayor of London will deliver the greener, healthier, more resilient capital that Londoners need.”
Chair of the London Mayoral Environment Debate, Julia Bradbury, said: “I am delighted to be chairing this vital event. London’s green spaces have become even more vital lungs for us all over the last year, and the need for action to tackle climate change and air quality is even more urgent. These issues deserve attention in the run up to the elections so that voters have a good idea where the candidates stand. This debate will be essential and informative and I’m really looking forward to it.”
The debate will allow Mayoral candidates to put forward their policies on nature and climate to London’s voters. Key issues which will be debated include cleaner air, ensuring London has thriving parks and green spaces for people to enjoy and exercise in, helping wildlife and our climate recover, and the development of new foot and cycle ways and green jobs in the capital.
