Will MP talk to us about economy?
WE would like to bring to the attention of readers the difficulty we’ve encountered attempting to engage our MP, Sarah Dines, in a nationally organised debate, in which over 300 of her fellow MPS engaged.
The intended focus of the debate was how to rebuild from the pandemic a cleaner, more resilient local economy.
Over 50 emails and letters have been sent to Sarah from constituents of varying ages and political persuasions, inviting her to engage with us on this pressing issue.
Nearly half of all MPS found the space in their busy diaries to meet – virtually – with their constituents – and we remain hopeful Sarah will.
This hope, however, has been tested by Sarah’s responses to our invites.
These have ranged from an echoing silence to what felt like a simple list of government achievements.
Apart from the lack of recognition that the government is failing to reach its own carbon emission targets, such a defensive strategyisnotagreatwaytoengagewith constituents.
Moreover, we cannot afford a complacent attitude – we are not doing enough.
Our local economy is suffering, many shops remain closed, people are losing their jobs.
This is on top of the dreadful floods of last winter which caused lasting economic hardships and the recent droughts farmers have suffered.
Moreover, research has now identified air pollution as key to how people recover from Covid.
This is unsurprising, given the report last year in this paper that highlighted air pollution as the cause of 4% of local deaths of people aged 30 and over.
In agreement with this worrying statistic, we found in a survey conducted just before lockdown, 73% of local residents stated sustainable transport should be a top priority of local government.
The interdependency between economy, health and climate is clear and should be integral in mapping the route out of this recession.
We remain hopeful, nevertheless, that Sarah will engage with us in a constructive conversation, particularly because she did, in her response to us, express concerns about the Climate Emergency.
As she rightly explains, transport is one of the main contributors to our greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
This discussion, however, needs to extend beyond the promotion of electric cars (Sarah’s key argument), as in a recession they are likely to remain a means of transport for the privileged.
Issues of transport are complex, with rural areas facing a different set of challenges to cities.
We also took heart from Sarah’s reference to insulating homes.
The majority of local homes were built pre-1900, and most are draughty – only 28% are well insulated.
Many households are already in fuel poverty. Insulation can cut annual bills by £200 and at the same time create local jobs and cut carbon emissions. A win-win situation.
Unfortunately, many of our local insulation companies have already been forced to stop trading. The extent of government commitments, as well as how to build a local, shovelready work force, needs urgent attention.
Sarah must be aware of how local communities have come together across the Dales to provide mutual support and aid during the lockdown.
We hope Sarah can be part of this network – and so help build a cleaner, more resilient and fairer economy.
How we respond in the next month to this crisis will have a huge impact on not just this generation, but on those to come.
There are many shades of green, Sarah in her response to our invites, has gone some way to express her preferred shade. We thank her for that.
We know from the local survey that residents have a real desire for a deep green economy (81% they were very or extremely concerned about the climate) and have taken many steps to reduce their personal carbon footprint.
We would now like to be provided with an opportunity to discuss with her, her own and our perspectives.
If the recovery from the pandemic is not a deep green it won’t be a recovery at all, but the avenue to another even more devastating, crisis.
Sheila Evans, Christine Curwen and 14 others