Children get the chance to write a speech for world leaders at COP

MOORLANDS MP Karen Bradley has urged pupils across the Staffordshire Moorlands to enter National Grid’s ‘Voices for a Green Future’ competition to win the chance to make a speech to world leaders at COP26.

The UK is set to host the

26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in November.

The conference will be a significant opportunity for international leaders to ramp up their commitment to protect the planet with over 30,000 delegates, including politicians, diplomats, campaigners and experts, attending to make global progress on climate change.

The Moorlands MP is keen that children from the Moorlands have their voices heard at the important conference.

She said: “Pupils right across Staffordshire Moorlands are concerned about the future of our planet, but they are also full of brilliant ideas about how to ensure we’re helping the UK reach its climate change targets. I’m really keen that they have an opportunity to share their ideas, big or small – they could inspire the solutions that help to tackle climate change.

“This is a great opportunity for the young people living in the Moorlands to take their ideas to the world’s leaders at COP26. Not only will the winners be given the platform to digitally share their vision for a greener future, but they will win grants for their school, helping get additional resources and learning opportunities for all their fellow classmates.

“It’s fantastic to see

National Grid extending this opportunity to pupils in our area and I wish everyone the best of luck.”

The competition will see four school pupils win the opportunity to share their hopes for a greener world in a speech that will be premiered digitally at COP26. The four winners will also win STEM related science toys, as well as a £5,000 STEM grant for their school.

To compete, primary and secondary school students, aged seven to 15 years, need to submit 200 words sharing their ideas on what they would do to protect the planet if they were in charge of the country. A shortlist of ten entrants will be reviewed by a judging panel, including Countryfile TV presenter Helen Skelton.

National Grid commissioned research which revealed 80 per cent of children believe it is their responsibility to look after the environment.