MP Wera Hobhouse: We must tackle twin threat of climate change and Brexit

February was another turbulent month in Westminster, with the Government running down the clock on resolving Brexit to the very last minute. Since I was elected in 2017, I’ve had the rewarding role of Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Communities and Local Government. I now have a new portfolio: I am spokesperson for Justice, and for Energy and Climate Change. I’m passionate about the environment, and believe climate change is the biggest threat facing us and our planet’s future. Fighting injustice is equally important to me. My upskirting Bill, which has received Royal Assent, is about justice for women. Christopher Chope, who blocked my upskirting Bill last year, voted against legislation to protect girls and young women from genital mutilation. As with upskirting, the government have taken it upon themselves to introduce this legislation. It’s time to change the way Private Members’ Bills are debated, so that our society’s most vulnerable can be afforded protection in law. On Saturday, March 23, days before our scheduled departure from the EU, I’ll be taking part in the ‘Put It To The People March’ in London. Our country is in crisis. It deserves so much better. We need a People’s Vote, with an option to remain in the EU. The best deal is the one we have now. To book your coach tickets students and under 16s go free visit www. bathforeurope.com My petition calling for the return of a proper police station to the city has had over 2,200 signatures. Thank you so much for your support! Bath has almost 100,000 residents and over six million tourists a year. It’s obvious that we need a proper police station. If you haven’t already, please sign the petition and share it with friends and family. The week just passed was Eating Disorders Awareness Week. I’ve been campaigning for earlier intervention for eating disorders, and launched a motion to change the law. I’m working with Hope Virgo, and supporting her Dump The Scales campaign. We need to vastly improve training for junior doctors and healthcare professionals when it comes to eating disorders, introduce standard waiting times for both adult and child patients and Dump The Scales in diagnosis. Over the next decade, hydrogen fuel cells will be part of the solution to reducing fossil-fuel dependency and reversing climate change. I test-drove the new hydrogen fuel cell car, the Toyota Mirai, to the Youth Strike 4 Climate protest recently. Dozens of Bath pupils called for action on climate change. Their engagement, alongside technological improvements, will be the key to a sustainable future.