The Climate Coalition © Vicki Couchman

On Wednesday 9th July Operation Noah joined thousands of others to take part in a Mass Lobby event in Parliament organised by The Climate Coalition.

The Mass Lobby brought together people from all over the UK who travelled to meet with their Member of Parliament (MP) and challenge them to take more action for climate and nature. 

The day buzzed with energy, vibrancy and a sense of fun. Lots of different climate and nature focused organisations represented from established national charities to smaller community and grassroots groups.

We were delighted to see a big faith presence – Operation Noah was part of the ‘faith pavilion’, with representation from Faith for the Climate members across all major religions, including many Christian charities. We produced a shared Christian campaign briefing with clear asks of our politicians including: committing the UK government to deliver vital funding to communities hit hardest by climate change; make the polluters pay; scale up international climate finance; shift away from fossil fuels and ensure there is a just transition to net zero; restore nature and back the Climate and Nature Bill. 

The Mass Lobby was a historic day: It brought together roughly 5000 people to have meaningful conversations with their MPs. It was widely reported in the national press, BBC and many media outlets with a total audience reach of more than 33 million people. Together we were able to amplify the urgency of the climate and nature crisis. 

It was also wonderful to hear reports of vibrant and encouraging MP discussions taking place across buildings near Parliament Square, Westminster, however, it’s fair to say that the model of meeting with MPs at different times and locations had mixed success. While this was required by the Palace of Westminster, it meant that a number politicians failed to turn up at the scheduled times. Within the Operation Noah team members present, Sharon’s, Cameron’s and David’s respective MPs were ‘no-shows’. 

“It was still a positive experience”, said David, “as I met with other constituents,  we exchanged e-mails and agreed to get together and organise a local meeting with our MP and invite members of the community to join us”. 

Bokani was able to report a good meeting with her MP: “Our meeting with the MP was quite constructive. A dozen of us discussed shared priorities like improving air quality, tackling fossil fuel companies and protecting nature, offering ideas, challenge and encouragement,” Bokani said, adding, “It felt like an important start, especially as these issues matter deeply to us all. Our MP even invited us to meet again. With an online group now connecting neighbours, I’m genuinely hopeful this is the start of building a local community for a greener future.”

As well as the scheduled meetings with MPs, Operation Noah was part of an incredibly busy ‘marketplace’ in the QEII building, where lots of climate organisations were gathered and people could come and find out more, get involved and connect with each other. There were talks and panel discussions and a prayer vigil was held outside Parliament.

We ended the day with mixed emotions. We applaud The Climate Coalition for an exceptionally well- organised event, with very challenging logistics to overcome. It was wonderful to be part of a wider movement and inspiring to see so many people – some of whom travelled a long way – come to meet with their MP and speak up for climate and nature. It was also a great opportunity to be able to connect with other organisations, see friends and share ideas and resources. However, it was undoubtedly disappointing that many MPs, for a variety of reasons, did not make the short walk from Parliament to meet with their constituents. 

For us this highlights two critical issues: one is the lack of urgency among some of our MPs with regards to the climate crisis and the recognition that it is the defining issue of our time. 

Secondly it underpins what we at Operation Noah feel is an increasing disconnect between our elected representatives and the people whom they serve. We have seen a worrying erosion of democracy and freedom of speech in this country, particularly in response to peaceful protests. The recent decisions by governments to make it harder to protest is a clear and present threat to the fabric of our democracy. As people of faith and citizens let’s continue to use our voices to challenge our politicians, pray for them, and together speak up for justice and truth.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)